News & Events

Transformation Tuesday | November 25, 2025,   Hosted by Gray Panthers NYC Speaker:  Amy Paul, Founder of Heirloom Words As we closed out our 2025 Transformation Tuesday season, Amy Paul invited us to think not just about what  we leave behind, but how  we want to be remembered—and how our words can carry love, wisdom, and comfort long after we’re gone. This session reframed “legacy” from dollars and documents to something more human: the stories, values, and hard-won lessons

As I’m drafting this, I am in the middle of a move, from one apartment to another. I love my new apartment, but…   If I had mobility limitations, it would be either difficult or impossible (depending on the limitation) to live where I am moving to.   To explain some more, I live on the second floor of my new building, and there is no elevator. That is not a problem for me, a person who is currently able-bodied. But that would be a problem if I struggled to move around, and im

The Importance of Awareness and Education More and more in the media, we are hearing about dementia. The different types, symptoms, and risk factors are being discussed frequently. This increased awareness is beneficial for many reasons. It promotes advocacy, research, and support for caregivers. Education is invaluable. People can see that they are not alone in their struggles with a loved one who has dementia. They can identify red flags that may signal the need for a docto

Each November, we celebrate national Family Caregivers Month, honoring the millions of unpaid family members who care for children, adults, and seniors with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or other complex needs. Organized by the Caregiver Action Network, this year’s observance emphasizes self-care, with the theme: "Take Care to Give Care." Indeed, caring for an aging loved one or family member with special needs is one of the most generous gifts you can give—and probably on

Transformation Tuesday | October 28, 2025   Hosted by Gray Panthers NYC When it comes to long-term care for America’s veterans, the needs are as diverse as the generations who have served. From World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan, the conversation is shifting—who receives care, how that care is delivered, and what benefits go untapped. This Transformation Tuesday  featured Ashton Stewart , Program Manager at MJHS  and a U.S. Navy veteran , in conversation with Jenine Ferrari

Now that the shutdown has gone on for a little while, some of us may have seen by now a number of “How does the government shutdown affect ______?” articles. But given Gray Panthers’ history of advocating for the rights of older persons, we want to focus on how the shutdown affects older persons. Here are a few notable ways in which the shutdown affects older persons: Financial Challenges for Federally Funded Health Centers Federal dollars is (obviously) a major source of rev

The Power of Age-Diversity in Dismantling Ageism: A Call to Action Transformation Tuesday | September 2025 Hosted by Gray Panthers NYC During the September 2025 Transformation Tuesday , Gray Panthers NYC explored one of the most effective ways to fight ageism: bringing generations together. This event highlighted the importance of age-diversity in creating a more inclusive society. Moderated by board member Meg LaPorte , the program, “The Power of Age-Diversity in Dismantli

Think of your brain as a savings account. Every time you learn something new, engage in conversation, or wrestle with a Saturday crossword, you’re making a deposit — not in dollars, but in cognitive reserve .   Cognitive reserve is the brain’s ability to improvise, adapt, and find alternate routes when age or illness (like Alzheimer’s or stroke) tries to block the way. The more “mental deposits” you’ve made over a lifetime—through education, social engagement, and challenging

My presentation on behalf of the constituency of older persons is, at its heart, an invitation . We all know that progress for humanity...

From its earliest days, Gray Panthers has stood for justice across generations. What began as a grassroots movement in the United States...

“You’re too young to have that problem.” “That’s just for old people.”   Chronic illness doesn’t discriminate. Old age is not just...

My major trip this summer was to visit other parts of New York, due to my own desire to explore more of the state I was born in and grew...

Transformation Tuesday | July 2025   Hosted by Gray Panthers NYC Caregiving touches every life. Whether we’ve been caregivers, are caregivers, will be caregivers, or will one day need one, the experience binds us all. At this month’s Transformation Tuesday , Gray Panthers NYC  brought together three remarkable advocates to explore what true partnership in caregiving looks like—and why it matters. Moderated by Carrie Leljedal , GPNYC Vice President and family advocate, the con

After 50 years of fighting for older adults, we're unveiling our bold new identity—and it perfectly captures who we are:...

This July marks a milestone we must celebrate—and protect. Sixty years ago, the Older Americans Act (OAA) became law and reshaped what it...

Since the 1990s, various industries have been using “age simulation suits” to demonstrate to individuals working with (e.g., healthcare)...

Some call the recent spending and tax cut bill signed into law the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” But, given the nature of the bill, perhaps a...

As is always the case in mid June to late June, the United States Supreme Court announced a series of decisions. And this term, the...

New Yorkers who are registered for a major party–you have a primary coming up! While it is all-too-easy to get all-consumed by what is...

On May 31 the South Dade chapter of the GP  honored Kristen Gonzalez with the Al Afterman Scholarship award. Ms Gonzalez, who is pursuing...