Brooklyn Council Member Susan Zhuang launched a new citywide push to increase funding for older adult services, arguing that current investment levels fall far short of the needs of a rapidly growing senior population.
The initiative, known as the Break One Percent Campaign, aims to boost the share of New York City’s budget dedicated to aging services to at least 1%. Zhuang, who chairs the Council’s Committee on Aging, kicked off the campaign with a visit on Tuesday to the JASA Starrett City Older Adult Center, joined by Deputy Majority Leader Chris Banks.
The campaign centers on a stark imbalance: older adults make up roughly one-fifth of the city’s population, yet the New York City Department for the Aging receives only a fraction of the overall city budget. Advocates say that gap has left critical services underfunded at a time when demand continues to climb.
“Older New Yorkers have built this city. They deserve more than half a penny on the dollar," Zhuang said. "The Break One Percent Campaign is about making sure that when we talk about New York City’s priorities, our seniors are at the center of that conversation, not an afterthought. The existence and maintenance of these services are not just for the aging; they are for all of us. Why are we waiting to fight for these services until we’re in a crisis? I’m here to start planning and improving this system before it’s too late."
At the Starrett City center, which serves more than 650 members from Spring Creek Towers and surrounding neighborhoods, officials highlighted the essential role older adult centers play in supporting both physical and mental health. Programs like Tea Chatters, part of the city’s Geriatric Mental Health Program, provide group discussions and one-on-one counseling to help combat isolation, depression and cognitive decline.
Staff emphasized that integrating mental health services into familiar community spaces reduces stigma and encourages participation. For many members, these centers offer their only consistent social connection, making them a key defense against isolation, which has been linked to serious health risks including heart disease and premature death.
Across the five boroughs, older adult centers serve as a backbone of support for seniors, offering daily meals, wellness programming and safe gathering spaces. For some participants, the meals provided are the only hot food they receive all day. Exercise classes and health programs help reduce fall risk and extend independent living, while social activities foster community and stability.
Despite their importance, many centers are struggling with aging infrastructure and limited resources. Chronic underfunding has left some facilities unable to handle basic repairs, including broken heating and cooling systems, roof leaks, outdated kitchens and accessibility issues. These conditions not only reduce quality of life but can also create safety hazards for vulnerable populations.
The campaign frames the issue as both immediate and universal. With more than 1.7 million New Yorkers aged 60 and older, a number expected to grow, supporters argue that investing in aging services is essential to the city’s long-term stability. The effort will include visits to centers across the city to gather input from seniors and staff, shaping future policy and budget proposals.
Zhuang’s push underscores a broader message: aging services are not a niche concern but a shared future for all New Yorkers. The campaign seeks to ensure that as the city’s population grows older, the systems designed to support it are strengthened rather than left behind.
