Mission 

Health Advocates for Older People promotes safe and healthy aging through programs designed to facilitate independent living, physical well-being and greater social interaction.

History and Background 

Health Advocates for Older People was founded in 1985 by a group of community social workers who wanted to provide better health care options for seniors, particularly in the Bronx.  At that time there was not enough doctors or health care providers in community health care centers in the Bronx.  The founders developed a model for care that was widely used in many other locations.

In the 1990’s housing became a primary concern for the elderly.  Health Advocates designed, and constructed Carnegie East House to serve the elderly of the Yorkville neighborhood and the Upper East Side.  In 2007, Health Advocates transferred Carnegie East House to its partner agency, James Lenox House Association and continued to focus on the organization’s Healthy Aging Program, which remains its primary focus of outreach to New York City’s seniors.

Since our founding, Health Advocates for Older People has sought to promote healthy aging by providing the elderly of New York City with supports, tools and techniques that help them to live with independence and vitality.  Over these 37 years, we have worked to fulfill our mission. This effort has been significantly advanced by generous ongoing support from the support of many individuals and institutions and is the foundation of all our programs and initiatives, including our Healthy Aging Program − the core program through which we address the needs of our constituents.