Addressing aging in the city

Adults 60 and over are the fastest growing segment of this vibrant city and University Settlement's Neighborhood Center is a hub of the community where older adults can interact with their peers. What makes it unique on the Lower East Side is its bona fide multiculturalism: the Center brings together Europeans representative of the old Lower East Side with a large population of Latinos and a rapidly growing group of Chinese residents. Members of all ethnicities intermingle and socialize, helping to break down cultural isolation.

The Center, open five days a week from 8:00 in the morning until 4:00 in the evening, has 1,000 members. On any given day, more than 150 seniors come to share in a nutritious breakfast or lunch, stimulating classes and activities.

Through our health and wellness program, seniors have access to twice-weekly blood pressure screenings, exercise classes, tai chi, a walking club, plus health seminars and nutrition lectures. Members can participate in festive events throughout the year and have access to the latest in electronic entertainment including Wii, karaoke and a computer lab. A Leadership Council comprised of older adults guides programming decisions from the ground up, and professional staff members are on hand to provide information, referrals or advocacy if there are any issues of concern. This rich program helps seniors to continue to lead full and independent lives.

Additional Services

The Settlement also offers targeted services for those who are unable to make the trip to the Center. We deliver meals daily to 200 homebound seniors, giving us a chance to check in with them and find out how they are, and whether they need additional assistance. Our Meals on Wheels program provides hot, frozen and even kosher meals to participants as requested.

All the seniors also have access to recreational and social opportunities provided at the Houston Street Center, including swim and dance instruction, fitness and computer classes.

Finally, we also provide classes and activities, as well as a legal clinic and mental health services, at the Village View co-op community on East 4th Street. More than 800 seniors living in the community can take advantage of yoga, zumba, movies, dancing and more.

Services are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

The Neighborhood Center is funded by the New York City Department for the Aging

Check out our monthly calendar of events & programming at the Neighborhood Center!