JDEI: Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world. As of 2018, nearly 60% of New Yorkers 65 and older identified as either Black, Hispanic, or Asian/Pacific Islander.

Agency’s Equity Statement

The Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) serves one of the most diverse cities in the world. As such, we have always been committed to building a community of inclusion and equity.

NYC Aging stands aligned with Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) for all.

As part of our standard practice, we reflect and work diligently to support the unique differences of our city, stakeholders, leadership, and employees; additionally, the programmatic services and fiscal allocations are part of this goal.

We embrace and encourage differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family, marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics such as personality and personal interests to help our employees thrive in a culturally diverse workplace environment resulting in positive social impact for the clients we serve.

We strive to create an environment where differences and communication are valued and recognize that multiple perspectives and voices fulfill and strengthen our work.

We commit to addressing and removing barriers to full inclusion and equity, particularly with underrepresented groups who have not reached their full potential because of ingrained, structural inequality.


Staff Diversity/Demographics

Demographic data for NYC Aging staff as of July 2021.

Agency Strategies:

Strategy I - Building Community Care for an Age-Inclusive City

The Building Community Care for an Age-Inclusive New York City Plan addresses the importance of creating a network of services that supports the independence, self-reliance, and wellbeing older New Yorkers need to age in their homes.

Strategy II - Raising awareness across New York City about Ageism

The Ageless New York campaign was launched to raise awareness about Ageism against older adults. Sylvia is a master quilter whose work addresses community and human rights issues.

Launched a subway and print media campaign titled Ageless New York, which features older New Yorkers who defy ageist stereotypes and challenge City residents to rethink their views on aging.



Strategy III - Combatting Ageism: Amplifying the benefits of creating an age-inclusive New York City by engaging cross-sector partners

Inaugural Forum: Combatting Ageism

On November 15, 2021, NYC Aging, in partnership with AARP, launched its inaugural form focused on combatting Ageism. The forum was attended by over 350 people.

Materials from the event can be accessed below:


Building an Age-Inclusive New York City: Speaker Series

Under the Office of Public-Private Partnerships’ leadership, the agency hosted online forums that engaged 64 sister City agencies in discussions focused on combatting Ageism. By taking a systems change approach, NYC Aging continues to advocate for and provide guidance to sister agencies on how to include ageless policies and practices within Diversity & EEO plans.

By adopting and acting on holistic DEI approaches, City agencies create a culture of change internally and influences thousands of associated providers and vendors. The targeted events drew an average of 128 attendees representing Agency Personnel Officers, DEI, and EEO leadership.

Partnering with DCAS, NYC Aging hosted a two-part Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) online event

Two-Part Series -

Part 1: The Imperative - Educating, Informing, Learning | March 24, 2022

Part 2: Putting It Into Practice | April 13, 2022


Three-Part Series:

  1. Inclusive NYC Diversifying Recruitment | June 29, 2022
  2. Age Inclusive Learning and Development | July 28, 2022
  3. Workplace and Community | August 29, 2022

Strategy IV - Expanding NYC Aging's network of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE)

Letter A Grade for MWBE

NYC Aging continues to expand its network build on its success of contracting with Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE)

Citywide Equity Efforts


Resources