In just four years, New York City will have more residents over 60 years old than under 18. This demographic shift is not a future problem — it is unfolding before our eyes, reshaping neighborhoods, hospitals, and public spaces. Yet one group of New Yorkers still remains largely overlooked: older adults living with serious mental illness. 

Nearly one in four older adults in New York experiences a mental health challenge, and about 6% live with a serious mental illness which affects their ability to function independently. It is a gross understatement to say that daily life is challenging for this population. Our mental health system is not designed for them, which leaves many hiding in plain sight with few options for treatment and support. 

The lack of coordinated support has led to a costly and cruel mismatch. Programming for people with serious mental illness is typically designed around younger adults, rarely factoring in aging bodies........

© NY Daily News