CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS

HomeWhat We DoCaring for Older Adults
We help older adults lead vital lives — staying independent, active, and connected for as long as possible.

Most older adults want to age at home, but independence doesn’t happen without help. Isolation, mental health challenges, and financial stress can take a real toll.

Through our network of trusted partners in New York City, across New York State, in Israel, and worldwide, older adults access best-in-class senior care — including mental health services, affordable housing, home-delivered meals, advocacy, and companionship.

We meet older adults wherever they are in life — and we don’t walk away. Because aging well isn’t just about living longer. It’s about living with purpose, stability, community, and dignity.

KEY FACTS ABOUT AGING NEW YORKERS

New York City is home to

1.5 million seniors

ages 65+, including about 350,000 Jewish older adults

Of all older New Yorkers,

90% want to age at home,

where most have been living for 20+ years

In and around NYC,

more than 50% of Jews

living alone are seniors ages 65+

Between 2000 and 2023, the population of

NYC’s seniors rose 53%

By 2040, there will be another 40% jump

New York City is home to

1.5 million seniors

ages 65+, including about 350,000 Jewish older adults

Of all older New Yorkers,

90% want to age at home,

where most have been living for 20+ years

In and around NYC,

more than 50% of Jews

living alone are seniors ages 65+

Between 2000 and 2023, the population of

NYC’s seniors rose 53%

By 2040, there will be another 40% jump

ACTIVE AGING

Senior independence largely depends on staying physically and cognitively well.

How UJA Supports Older Adults

Elder abuse — most often financial exploitation by adult children — is up 300%.

Overwhelmed family members get the support they need to navigate challenges of caring for loved ones — while seniors gain access to legal protections.

Nearly 17,000 caregivers in the New York area have received supportive services.

Loneliness can raise the risk of premature death by up to 50%.

Volunteers help counter that risk by checking in with older adults regularly. Take time to make a friendly visit or caring call to an older New Yorker.

55,000 seniors worldwide have received friendly visits.

Over 70% of NYC subway stations are still inaccessible, lacking elevators or ramps.

We tackle barriers — from inaccessible and lack of transit options to mobility, cost, and language challenges — so care, community, and connection are within reach.

7,900 aging New Yorkers have received transportation assistance.

About 500,000 older adults in New York City area to make ends meet.

No one should have to choose between food, medicine, rent, or care. We support seniors facing empty cupboards, unfilled prescriptions, and confusing benefits systems.

Seniors globally have received 87.3 million meals (2 million locally + 85.3 million around the world).

Tech-literate seniors reduce their risk of cognitive decline by 58%.

Through direct tech support, remote monitoring, and digital community tools, we help older adults stay connected, independent, and engaged.

Over 400,000 older adults in New York City have dementia.

Community centers and JCCs can be more accessible by offering dementia-friendly activities, support groups, and opportunities to connect with physicians.

Each year, about 6,000 Jews in the New York area die.

Compassionate, values-based palliative and hospice care offers medical, emotional, and spiritual support for Jewish patients and families.

About 14,700 Holocaust survivors live in New York, with 70% in Brooklyn.

Culturally sensitive, choice-based care supports survivors’ nuanced needs, helping them live their later years with dignity in comfort and peace.

Annually, 46,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide have receive care.

Elder abuse — most often financial exploitation by adult children — is up 300%.

Overwhelmed family members get the support they need to navigate challenges of caring for loved ones — while seniors gain access to legal protections.

Nearly 17,000 caregivers in the New York area have received supportive services.

Older man sitting on a couch, talking with a visitor

THE TIME IS NOW

Caring for Holocaust Survivors Can’t Wait

The numbers of Holocaust survivors still among us dwindle with each passing day. Yet the cost of their care is increasing due to more survivors reaching out for care and their needs becoming more complex as they age. We cannot turn away. And we cannot reverse time. But we can shape how survivors live their remaining years.  

UJA’s Community Initiative for Holocaust Survivors (CIHS) helps survivors live their final years with comfort and peace — and above all, dignity.

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UJA PARTNERS SERVING SENIORS

  • Commonpoint: Offers senior-centric programs including meals, fitness, benefits assistance, and social connection.

  • DOROT: Dedicated to reducing social isolation among older adults through volunteer visits, intergenerational programs, and holiday outreach.

  • JASA: One of New York’s largest senior-focused agencies, providing housing, meals, home care, legal services, and cultural programs.

  • Met Council: Supports low-income seniors with affordable housing, kosher food, and emergency assistance.

  • MJHS: A leading nonprofit health system, offering hospice, palliative, and home care rooted in Jewish values.

  • The New Jewish Home: Provides senior-centered rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and home-based care focused on independence and quality of life.

  • NYLAG: Offers free legal help to seniors on housing, benefits, healthcare access, and elder rights issues.

  • Selfhelp: Serves Holocaust survivors and other older adults with affordable housing, home care, digital literacy, and social connection programs.

OTHER WAYS WE HELP — AND HOW YOU CAN HELP TOO

NEW YORKERS IN NEED
Elderly man eating a meal at a table, with other people in the background

Food. Housing. Benefits. Nobody should go without.

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GIVE YOUR TIME
Volunteer packing donated food items

Visit or call seniors. Pack or deliver food. Brighten a day.

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MENTAL HEALTH HELP
Girl sitting and talking with another person

Counseling services. Peer groups. Safe spaces.

See How We Support Mental Wellness keyboard_arrow_right