New York City is often called the city that never sleeps. It is alive at every hour, across every borough, with constant movement and energy. But amid that pace, many older New Yorkers are navigating life more quietly, often facing challenges that can threaten their stability.
“These landlords, they’re trying to get rid of the older generation,” said Alex, an older adult who has lived in Washington Heights since she was 10 years old. “They’re doing no fixing in the apartment. They’re doing nothing for us. I wish somebody would do more for the elderly people.”
In many cases, when long-term tenants leave, apartments can be renovated and re-listed at significantly higher rents, creating pressure on older residents living on fixed incomes.
With an apartment inspection approaching, Alex’s landlord has not addressed multiple issues, from the bathroom to the kitchen to the closet. Living on fixed Social Security income, she now faces the burden of paying for repairs herself. If the apartment fails inspection, Alex could be forced to leave the only home she has known since she was a child.
“I don’t want to see myself in that spot,” Alex said.
Alex’s situation reflects a broader reality. Over 61% of older renters in New York City are rent-burdened, spending about a third of their income on housing, often in conditions that are not properly maintained.
“The building is infested with roaches, and it’s dirty,” she said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can get thrown out.”
Older adults occupied more than half of the city’s rent-stabilized and rent-controlled units in 2021. And 21% of rent-stabilized apartments had three or more maintenance deficiencies, compared with only 8% of unregulated apartments.
“Everybody knows me. Even in the building, [people I knew when they] were little, now they have grandkids and they’re still there,” she continued.
Beyond housing, rising costs for groceries, utilities, and medicine continue to stretch already limited incomes. Nearly 20% of New Yorkers over the age of 60 live below the federal poverty line.
“Money matters. The Social Security check is not enough,” Alex said. “The food is high. My food stamp goes — my OTC goes. The little money I have left from the check, I have to manage it.”
Holding On to Independence, Home, and Community
Alex lives with her yorkie shih tzu therapy dog, Baby, and works hard to maintain her independence despite these challenges.
“Thank God I still got some energy and can still do my own stuff. I’m independent because if not, I could be homeless,” she said. “My strength is God. I always say thank you, God, for whatever I get.”
Still, independence can come with isolation. Alex has lost her parents and sister, and her only close family member — her brother — lives in Miami. She hopes to move there one day, largely because of her financial situation.
“I’m trying to survive at this point,” she said. “I’m struggling a lot. It’s just me and the doggy.”
Like many older New Yorkers, Alex also experiences loneliness. At the same time, her connection to her neighborhood remains strong.
“Sometimes I think I’m soft, but I see myself tough in the city by myself,” she said. “I know a lot of people. I know three generations, which I feel at home. I grew up with them. I feel safe even though the city’s a little bit wild. I feel safe in my neighborhood.”
Support That Brings Stability and Hope
Older New Yorkers face overlapping challenges from financial strain and housing instability to social isolation. At Catholic Charities of New York, we understand that each neighbor’s situation is unique, and we work to provide support that meets immediate needs while creating longer-term stability.
When Alex came to Catholic Charities of New York, her case manager, Nancy, stepped in quickly.
One of the most immediate impacts was assistance with her electricity during the summer months — allowing her to safely run her air conditioning during extreme heat.
“Nancy helped me there, and I really appreciate it,” she said. “Usually, I get stuck in the summer with a very high electricity, that’s when I feel trapped.”
Nancy also advocated on Alex’s behalf, communicating directly with her landlord to document unresolved issues and help protect her from potential wrongful eviction. Now, Alex is able to look ahead with a bit more stability and hope.
“The only place I have for help is Catholic Charities,” she said.
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