Pol wants elder-friendly city

The city would boost services for the elderly under a “Bill of Rights for Aging New Yorkers” from mayoral hopeful Shaun Donovan.

Donovan, who served in the administrations of both President Barack Obama and Mayor Mike Bloomberg, is setting his sights on one of the most politically active parts of the electorate as candidates in the crowded mayoral race roll out proposals aimed at addressing major challenges in the era of COVID-19, high crime rates and economic pain.

“Older residents have given so much of their lives in the service of building our city and our communities,” states Donovan’s report, shared Wednesday with the Daily News. “And yet, they are so often marginalized, lacking meaningful political power. It is our responsibility to listen to, understand, and advocate for this vital group of New Yorkers.”

The “rights” described in the report range from freedom from ageism to the right to a healthy life.

For example, Donovan noted the pandemic has worsened isolation for the elderly, who comprise some 14% of the city’s population.

He promised to “invest in connectivity (infrastructure and hardware), technology training and technical support for older people to prevent, and reduce social isolation.” As part of a holistic approach, he’d also “increase walkability and pedestrian safety, prioritizing neighborhoods with large concentrations of older people,” among other steps.

A Donovan administration would include a point person who oversees efforts to implement his “Age-friendly NYC” initiatives. All city agencies would be required to “consider health and aging in their planning, policymaking and regulation, and procurement activities.”

The candidate also promised seed funding for groups focused on the elderly.