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BRIDGE to Community connects older adults, caregivers, and families in Brooklyn to trusted health, wellness, social support, and community resources for healthy aging. Empowering Older Adults in Brooklyn and Beyond. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU Please tell us how easy our website is to read, understand, and use. This short feedback quiz helps us improve our website for older adults in Brooklyn. Thank you for sharing your experience. Start Now We believe in the power of community to create positive change and empower older adults to thrive. BRIDGE To Community Our Programs 4Ms BRIDGE Weekly talks We provided weekly talks via Zoom to our participating senior centers located throughout Brooklyn. TALKS WILL RESUME IN THE FALL 2026 Read More 4M Champions The 4Ms Champions Program educate seniors at 26 centers to promote dementia-friendly care through peer-led support. Read More Healthy Aging Videos To build resilience, adopt preventive behaviors, reduce risks, and stay socially engaged. Read More Intergenerational Learning Collaborative Is a structured and mentored community-based learning initiative designed to counteract ageist views among medical students. Read More This Month's Events CLICK FOR FULL CALENDAR Project Heal Talks on Zoom Every Friday TALKS WILL RESUME IN THE FALL 2026 Multiple Dates Project Heal for Fort Greene Council - Friday's 10-11 AM Jun 05, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EDT https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9685486212?pwd=b Join using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9685486212?pwd=bXpnM2VVODRzdHVnWXZhYVlrUXNFdz09 GET E-MAIL REMINDERS OUR RESOURCES Brooklyn OLDER ADULT Centers Food and Nutrition Housing Legal Issues & aging Advocates Arts and Culture WORLDWIDE Education and Technology Functional mobility & Exercise Medication & the Pharmacy Mental Health and Substance Use Insurance & Benefits Cognitive Stimulation & Brain Games Caregivers THE HEALTHY AGING BLOG BRIDGE'S YouTube Channel VISIT OUR VIDEO CHANNEL

Upcoming Events May 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 10:00 AM Project Heal for Fort Greene Council - Friday's 10-11 AM 6 7

Learn about the BRIDGE Team and the people helping Brooklyn older adults, caregivers, and providers access trusted aging, health, and support resources. Meet the Team Program Director: Michael Reinhardt, MD Co-Director of Geriatric Medicine Education: Everton Prospere, MD Co-Director of Long-Term Care Education and Apprenticeship Programs: Shirley Girouard, PhD, RN, Cultural Humility and Community Engagement Tonya N. Taylor, PhD, MS Co-Director of Public Health Education and Research: Elizabeth Helzner, PhD Co-Director of Health Professions Education: Karlene Lawrence, MD Geriatric Medicine: Clivia Torres, LCSW Co-Director of Health Professions Education: Nancy Kline, PhD, OT Lead Program Evaluator: Marie-Claire Roberts, PhD, MS, MPA, RN Geriatric Medicine: Faculty Nina Nguyen, MD Program Administrator: Nathalie Mendez, MA Programming, Research, and Evaluation Coordinator: Kristen Cheung, MPH Ocupational Theraphy: Richard Sabel, MA, MPH, OTR, GCFP Fellow, Geriatric Psychiatry Dr. Dipaloke Banik, MD Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice: Janna Roitman, PharmD, MS, MPA

Learn how CEAD supports Brooklyn older adults, caregivers, and families with trusted dementia education, aging resources, and community-based guidance. 718-270-2003

The BRIDGE to Community Website ensures older adults in Brooklyn engage comfortably. We use large text, high-contrast colors, and descriptive images for visual support. Subtitles, transcripts, and planned sign language accommodate hearing needs. Navigation is streamlined with headings, a search bar, and multiple contact options. Plain language and vivid illustrations welcome everyone, creating a truly accessible, inclusive online community. Our Commitment to Accessibility EASY TO SEE EASY TO HEAR EASY TO NAVIGATE DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE Welcome to the BRIDGE to Community Website! We’re here to support and connect older adults in Brooklyn by creating an online space that is: Easy to See: Large fonts and simple layouts for comfortable reading High-contrast colors and accessible color combinations to reduce eye strain Clear, descriptive text for every image. Easy to Hear: Written transcripts and subtitles for videos so you don’t miss any information Clear alerts or visual notifications if a sound is played Plans for sign language videos and simplified text for those preferring visual cues Easy to Navigate: Straightforward menus, headings, and lists to organize content in logical steps A handy search bar to quickly find topics—such as local older adult events, health resources, or information. Multiple contact options—email, online chat, or phone—so you can reach us in whichever way feels most comfortable Designed for Everyone: Built with older adults of all abilities in mind, including those using screen readers and voice recognition tools Clear, jargon-free language to help you find the information you need Include images to illustrate key concepts or highlight the local community. By embracing these accessible features, we aim to connect, inform, and empower older adults throughout Brooklyn. Our dedication is to create a welcoming, age-friendly environment that celebrates our vibrant neighborhoods and ensures every voice is heard and every need is met.

Find legal support and aging advocacy resources for Brooklyn older adults, caregivers, and families, including help with rights, benefits, and planning. LEGAL ASSISTANCE Older adults often face unique legal issues that can significantly impact their lives and well-being. Here are some of the most challenging legal issues they may encounter: Estate Planning and Wills Wills and Trusts: Creating, updating, and executing wills and trusts to ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes. Probate: Navigating the probate process, which can be complex and time-consuming. 3. Elder Abuse and Neglect Physical, Emotional, and Financial Abuse: Protecting older adults from various forms of abuse, including fraud, scams, and exploitation. Neglect: Addressing situations where older adults are not receiving adequate care from caregivers or institutions. 5. Power of Attorney and Advance Directives Power of Attorney: Designating someone to make financial and legal decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated. Advance Directives: Establishing living wills and healthcare proxies to guide medical decisions when they are unable to communicate their wishes. 7. Housing Issues Age Discrimination: Addressing discrimination in housing and ensuring fair treatment in rental and purchase agreements. Eviction Protection: Understanding rights related to eviction and housing stability. 9. Employment and Age Discrimination Age Discrimination: Legal protections against workplace discrimination based on age. Retirement Rights: Ensuring fair treatment and understanding rights related to retirement and employment. 2. Guardianship and Conservatorship Guardianship: Appointing a guardian to make personal and health care decisions for older adults who are no longer able to do so themselves. Conservatorship: Managing financial affairs when an older adult is deemed incapable of handling their finances. 4. Healthcare and Long-Term Care Medicare and Medicaid: Understanding and navigating these programs, including eligibility, benefits, and coverage. Long-Term Care: Planning for long-term care needs, including nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care. 6. Social Security and Retirement Benefits Social Security Benefits: Ensuring they receive the maximum benefits they are entitled to. Pension Rights: Protecting their rights to pensions and retirement savings. 8. End-of-Life Issues Hospice Care: Legal issues surrounding end-of-life care and the right to die with dignity. Funeral and Burial Arrangements: Preplanning and funding arrangements to reduce the burden on family members. 10. Consumer Protection Fraud and Scams: Legal recourse for victims of scams, fraud, and identity theft. Consumer Rights: Protecting older adults in transactions and contractual agreements. Addressing these issues requires a combination of legal knowledge, proactive planning, and access to appropriate resources and support systems. The Department for the Aging ("NYC Aging") partners with local organizations to offer free legal services through the Legal Assistance for the Elderly Program. This program provides multilingual legal assistance to New Yorkers aged 60 and older in all five boroughs. The program aims to assist clients with various legal issues, including: Legal Representation: At administrative hearings or court proceedings, covering: Housing issues: landlord/tenant disputes, foreclosure, home repair fraud, utility shut offs, or home ownership/real property matters Guardianship, abuse, or neglect cases Consumer issues: fraud, credit card disputes, bankruptcy, or reverse mortgages Public Benefits: Assistance with applications, recertifications, and appeals Legal Advice: Counseling and referrals Below is a list of some resources for legal assistance in Brooklyn and NYC: Legal Aid: Access to free or low-cost legal assistance for those who qualify. Elder Law Attorneys: Specialists who focus on the unique legal needs of older adults. Legal Assistance for the Elderly: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dfta/services/legal-help.page

Age-Friendly Health Systems is a project created by the Hartford Foundation with help from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the American Hospital Association, and the Catholic Health Association of the U.S. The goal of Age-Friendly Care is to ensure that older adults Get the best care possible, Experience no harm from healthcare, and Feel satisfied with their care. Age-Friendly Care and the 4Ms Through Project H.E.A.L., we teach older adults about Age-Friendly Healthcare so they can understand how to get the care they deserve. What is Age-Friendly Healthcare? Age-friendly care is a way of providing healthcare that meets the special needs of older adults. It focuses on safety, quality, and respect. It uses the “4Ms ”: What Matters (the patient’s goals), Medication (safe use of medicines), Mentation (thinking and memory), and Mobility (ability to move). This approach helps match care to what patients want, reduce harm, and support independence. The goal of Age-Friendly Care is to make sure older adults: Get good, safe care that fits their needs. Help people keep their dignity, stay independent, and enjoy a good quality of life. Prevent harm Match care to what matters most to each person, and improve patient satisfaction using the 4Ms framework. The 4Ms Framework To achieve Age- Friendly Care , the organizations above developed the 4M Framework: What Matters – Care is centered around what is most important to the person. Medication – Promotes appropriate medication use while reducing unnecessary medication burden. Mentation – Prevents, finds, and treats dementia, depression, and delirium. Mobility – Helps older adults stay active and move safely.

The Intergenerational Learning Collaborative helps medical students tackle aging stereotypes! In partnership with Dr. Carla Boutin-Foster from SUNY Downstate, students: • Receive 4M training. • Work in small groups at senior centers. • Learn from seniors’ experiences. • Teach healthy aging and dementia care. • Assess vulnerabilities and connect seniors to resources. • Collaborate to create supportive activities! Intergenerational Learning Collaborative The Intergenerational Learning Collaborative is a hands-on health education program to help students at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University understand and challenge negative views about aging. Developed in partnership with faculty across the five schools at SUNY Downstate’s Health Science University, students will: Receive 4Ms training to support their healthcare learning. Work in small groups (3-5 students) at participating older adult centers. Learn from older adults about the lived experiences of aging in Brooklyn. Teach older adults about healthy aging, age-friendly care, and dementia care. Assess older adults’ social determinants of health, "SDoH," and link them to community resources. Work with staff at centers to create a calendar of educational and physical activities that meet the needs of older adults to support healthy aging. The 4Ms Curriculum includes: Overview of the 4Ms and other clinical and prevention topics. What Matters Medication Mentation Mobility Geriatric Syndromes Prevention (Diet, Exercise, and Sleep) Chronic Conditions Management

Learn how the BRIDGE Program supports age-friendly healthcare, dementia care, caregiver support, and trusted health resources for older adults in Brooklyn. THE BRIDGE PROGRAM The Brooklyn Initiative to Develop Geriatric Education ( BRIDGE ) Supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) We are here to help make healthcare in Brooklyn more welcoming and supportive for older adults, including those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Below is a brief overview of what we do and why it matters. Our Main Goals Train Healthcare Providers: We work with various healthcare providers and students in Brooklyn. Our focus is on caring for the whole person—men tal, physical, and social needs. Support Older Adults with Alzheimer’s & Dementia: We teach healthcare teams how to recognize and care for people living with Alzheimer’s and related conditions. We make sure caregivers get the help and guidance they need. Bridge Gaps in Healthcare: We partner with local groups to bring health and aging-related information and resources into Brooklyn neighborhoods. We focus on “age-friendly” clinics and “dementia-friendly” communities so that everyone feels supported. We seek solutions to everyday needs like housing and transportation that affect overall health. Improve Patient Care and Track Results: We measure how well we are doing by checking services such as: Dementia caregiver support Fall risk assessments Safe pain management Chronic diabetes and high blood pressure management Cancer screenings Medication safety Where We Are Based SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University: Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, located in East Flatbush. We serve a diverse community of over 2.5 million residents through the University Hospital of Downstate. Who We Partner With Within SUNY Downstate: College of Nursing College of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Division of Geriatric Psychiatry School of Public Health School of Health Professions Local Primary Care Systems: NYC Health + Hospitals Kings County (East Flatbush) The Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center (Brownsville) What This Means for You You can expect more age-friendly services at local clinics and hospitals across Brooklyn. Healthcare teams will be better prepared to help with memory concerns, caregiver support, and overall well-being. We aim to make finding the care you need easier—right here in Brooklyn.

Find Brooklyn Older Adult Centers offering meals, activities, wellness programs, social connection, and support services for adults age 60 and older. What are Older Adult Centers (OACs)? Older Adult Centers (OACs), also known as senior centers, are community-based organizations that offer healthy meals, fun activities, classes, fitness programs, and social services for individuals aged 60 and older. These centers aim to promote social engagement, health and wellness, and continued independence for older adults. Membership is FREE for all New Yorkers aged 60 and older. Across the five boroughs of NYC, there are over 300 Older Adult Centers (OACs), and in Brooklyn, there are approximately 106 OACs. Many older adults feel healthier, more positive, and less socially isolated after joining an OAC. OACs provide opportunities for Socialization and Recreation: OACs provide opportunities for older adults to connect with their peers, participate in group activities, and build social networks. OACs offer a variety of fun activities and classes to teach new skills that could include: Arts and crafts Music and theater arts Computer classes Games like dominos, bingo, chess, and ping-pong Gardening Recreational day trips Holiday and birthday celebrations And much more! Fitness Programs: OACs keep members active with fitness programs and evidence-based classes. Some programs you might find at your local OAC could include: Walking clubs Yoga Chair exercises Tai chi Dance classes and Zumba Health and Wellness: OACs offer health screenings, training and workshops on nutrition, health prevention, and managing chronic illnesses. Chronic disease self-management for arthritis, diabetes, & high blood pressure Falls prevention workshops Presentations on cardiovascular health, stress, and other health issues. Support and Social Services: OACs often provide information and referrals, and connections to city and federal programs and services and assist members with resources and programs, including accessing benefits like Medicare/Medicaid, SCRIE, and SNAP. Educational and Recreational Activities: These can include arts and crafts, music programs, educational workshops, and technology training. Meals: Many OACs offer congregate meals, grab-and-go options, or both. Community Engagement: OACs facilitate volunteer opportunities for older adults and encourage participation in community events. Transportation: Some centers offer transportation services to and from the center, as well as provide transportation services for essential medical and social appointments for those who lack access to transportation or can't use public transit. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The NYC Department for the Aging is dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and funds OACs for special populations, including: The SAGE Centers for LGBTQ+ seniors and the Queens Center for Gay Seniors. Additionally, VISIONS at Selis Manor Senior Center supports blind and visually impaired older adults. Please note that services, classes, virtual programs, and schedules differ at individual OACs. We recommend you contact your local OAC for more information or call Aging Connect at 212-AGING-NY (212-244-6469) for more information. To find the nearest OAC near you, please visit the NYC Department of Aging Find Services page: https://a125-egovt.nyc.gov/AgingService/

How do older adults in Brooklyn live? From busy, densely populated streets to quieter residential blocks, the environment in which older adults in Brooklyn live plays a critical role in shaping quality of life, health outcomes, and opportunities for social engagement. HOW WE LIVE HOW WE LIVE How do older adults in Brooklyn live? From busy, densely populated streets to quieter residential blocks, the environment in which older adults in Brooklyn live plays a critical role in shaping quality of life, health outcomes, and opportunities for social engagement. On this page, you’ll find information on social and environmental factors, such as neighborhood safety, air quality, and access to green spaces that affect quality of life and health and shape the daily experiences of older adults in Brooklyn. NOTE: The data presented here will be updated as it becomes available. This page was developed by students and BRIDGE faculty in the School of Public Health at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.

Learn who we are at BRIDGE to Community and how we support Brooklyn older adults, caregivers, families, and partners with trusted aging resources. WHO WE ARE Who are we as older adults in Brooklyn? Brooklyn is home to about 396,000 adults age 65 and older. That is about 15% of our borough. Brooklyn has the second-most older adults of any county in New York State. The number of Brooklyn residents age 85 and older grew faster than any other county in the state between 2011 and 2021 (U.S. Census; Center for an Urban Future, 2023).

Learn about BRIDGE to Community, a Brooklyn resource hub helping older adults, caregivers, and families find trusted health, wellness, aging, and support services. About Us This website is dedicated to building a strong community by providing essential services and support to older adults in need. Here, we will share our journey, the projects we are involved in, and the difference we aim to make among older adults in Brooklyn and in NYC. At Bridge To Community, we believe in the power of community. We strive to create a place where everyone can thrive, contribute, and inspire positive change. Our Mission Our Mission At Bridge To Community , our mission is to address the needs of our aging community and foster a sense of belonging for all. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and development, and to promoting inclusivity and diversity. Our Vision Our vision is to build a community where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered. We envision a future where collaboration and compassion drive positive change and create a better quality of life for all. Join Us in Building a Stronger Community! Get Involved