NYC honors senior citizens at National Senior Citizens Day event in Harlem

HARLEM, N.Y. (PIX11) -- For so many of us, the senior citizens in our lives play an indelible role.

Today, at an event in Harlem, they were honored.

Hundreds gathered at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem Wednesday to mark the 3rd Annual National Senior Citizens Day.

81-year-old Eleanor Vanderpuije from the Bronx was there to connect with other seniors. “I wanted to be here today to be with the people. I like the people! And I like getting information,” said Vanderpuije.

The event, hosted by Senator Cordell Cleare, included entertainment and city, state, and community organizations providing information on a wide range of resources available to seniors.

There are currently more than 1.7 million older New Yorkers in the city and Senator Cleare says it’s important they have access to the services they need.

“We do have to look at more ways to serve our seniors. The same issues that are affecting the rest of the population are affecting our seniors, unfortunately. They’re living at the poverty level, and they need housing and health care,” said Cleare.

She added, “They’re the ones who paved the way who worked for our city, worked jobs, and took care of their families and some of ours and continue to. They are a very vital part of our family and community, so we need to celebrate them.”

Patricia Marshall agrees. She’s in her 70s and says seniors are still a vital part of society. “They shouldn’t just write us off and think we’re gonna be homebodies. We can still contribute to our community.”