AMHERST, N.Y. — Whether it's to stay active or enjoy a good meal, seniors like 79-year-old Mary Strefeler have been going to the Amherst Senior Center in Erie County for years.

"It's more for socialization, meeting up with people [and] discussions around the lunch table," said Strefeler.

What You Need To Know

  •  There are almost five million older Americans in New York state

  •  Advocates for older adults continue to push yearly for more state funding 

  • Social Security and health care seem to top the list of hot-button issues

It was at her lunch table where she recently discussed a number of issues with Becky Preve, executive director of the Association on Aging in New York, during her recent visit.

"Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the funding for the arts in New York state [and] health care. It's nice that there is someone who is interested in issues that are important to seniors," said Strefeler.

Earlier this year, Preve wrote a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, on behalf of 59 Offices for the Aging statewide, hundreds of related agencies and millions of older adults and caregivers.

She advocates for millions of dollars to be included in the state budget each year to support senior programs and services. 

"If you want to control long-term health care costs, allow people to age with dignity, autonomy and respect in communities of their choice," said Preve.

The letter also urges state leaders to reduce the long list of services seniors are waiting for or have been denied because of funding.

"But older people are not only paying taxes, they're also volunteering,” said Preve. “They're also contributing to their community, paying for education and medical systems. They should be able to access home and community-based services to allow them to remain independent in their homes.”

Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen met up with Preve during that trip and appreciates the support. 

"I think it really helps raise awareness in terms of the number of organizations that believe the same, that there should be investments made," said Olsen.

Strefeler believes too, and has also written a couple of letters to the governor.

"It was important in that it let our voices be heard in Albany," said Strefeler.

As for the recently passed and signed state budget itself, Preve calls it, “a massive failure for aging,” adding she and others are astounded at the complete and total disregard for the needs of older New Yorkers and their families.