Senate Resolution No. 2502

BY: Senator BIAGGI

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 11-17, 2020, as
Aging in Place Awareness Week in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, Senior citizens bring a wealth of experience and knowledge
to the increasingly active roles they play in today's society; their
past contributions and future participation are a vital part of, and
valuable asset to, the fabric of community life and activity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 11-17, 2020, as Aging in
Place Awareness Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Aging in Place Awareness Week; and

WHEREAS, The National Aging in Place Council (NAIPC) was founded on
the belief that an overwhelming majority of older Americans want to
remain in their homes for as long as possible, but lack awareness of
home and community-based services which make independent living
possible; and

WHEREAS, Without question, the vast majority of older adults want to
remain in their homes and communities as they age; as many as 96% of
seniors and "near seniors" are aging in place in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Seniors who age in place are more socially engaged than
seniors who live in nursing homes or other institutional settings,
leading to better health outcomes in areas of mental health, physical
function, and muscular strength; and

WHEREAS, Despite the desire of a majority of Americans to stay in
their homes as they age, their homes and communities may not be designed
to accommodate the needs of seniors; in the State of New York, these
challenges are compounded by the lack of access to affordable housing,
especially senior appropriate housing; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who want to age in place should plan ahead,
including talking to their doctor about the kinds of support they may
need, consider who can support them if and when they need assistance
with personal care, household chores, cooking, and other tasks, and what
forms of transportation in their communities they can use; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these basic needs, older adults rate access
to nearby transportation, groceries and green spaces as very important
community features; and

WHEREAS, Most Americans do not make a plan to age in place, although
they should start thinking about one before they plan to retire;
creating a plan can prevent unexpected events from turning into crises
which compromise one's ability to live independently; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim October 11-17, 2020, as
Aging in Place Awareness Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.