Policy and Programs

New York City is going to see a more than 40% increase in people 65+ over the next 25 years, and by 2030, people over 65 will outnumber school-aged children. Older people are and will continue to be a tremendous resource to the city, and we want to help them stay engaged and active in giving back to the community. The Academy worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop the global criteria for what makes a city “age-friendly” and was instrumental in launching New York City as the first major age-friendly city in the U.S. meeting WHO criteria. An age-friendly city is a place where aging isn’t a barrier to an active life—where older adults can shop, exercise, socialize, attend cultural events and walk the streets safely. The award-winning Age-friendly NYC initiative has catalyzed changes across all sectors of city life and serves as a national and international model.

The Academy works to identify and address the root causes of disparities in health among underserved and vulnerable populations as an important factor in all of our work. We conduct policy analysis, research and evaluation, advocacy, and education to provide evidence to decision makers and the broader community. The Academy has a long history of supporting harm reduction services and promoting policy and systemic change to address the needs of people who use drugs, a vulnerable population traditionally marginalized in health policy and the health care system.