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 were not enough doctors or health care providers in community health care centers to provide needed supports.  This led our founders to develop a comprehensive model for care that was widely used in many other locations.

In the 1990’s housing became a primary concern for our organization and constituents.  To this end, Health Advocates designed, and constructed Carnegie East House to serve older adults from the Yorkville neighborhood and the Upper East Side.  In 2007, Health Advocates transferred Carnegie East House to the, James Lenox House Association to focus on the  Healthy Aging Program, which remains our priority to this day.

Since our founding, Health Advocates for Older People has sought to promote healthy aging by providing older adults with supports, tools and techniques to live with independence and vitality. We do this through partnerships with a wide range of nonprofit partners to leverage limited resources and advance our scope and reach. Health Advocates is proud of our outreach to a wide range of communities and the breadth of support we have received from individuals, institutions and elected officials who share our commitment to making New York City a healthy and hopeful place to age.