Exploring the urgent housing challenges facing middle-income older adults in a Queens Neighborhood
This project explored the often-overlooked housing challenges facing middle-income older adults, who are part of the “Forgotten Middle” in Queens Community District 2 (CD2). The Forgotten Middle is a term used to describe individuals who are typically ineligible for subsidies (such as Medicaid or food assistance) but still face steep affordability barriers. We selected Queens Community District 2 for its diversity of residents, housing types, and incomes. We engaged with older adults, service providers, and community-based organizations across CD2 to better understand the needs and challenges facing older New Yorkers – through workshops, questionnaires, and key informant interviews.
Our Goal
Identify key areas of concern, unmet needs, and solutions to address older adults of The Forgotten Middle that prevent them from successfully living in and engaging in the community as they age in place.
“The Forgotten Middle”
In 2019 a landmark study the University of Chicago NORC coined the term the Forgotten Middle, to represent middle-income older adults who, based on their income, are unlikely to qualify for Medicaid long-term care, but are also unlikely to have the financial resources to pay for certain housing and care supports necessary as one ages.
They’re forgotten because as a group, they are often overlooked by both policy makers and the investors and operators of private seniors housing.
Findings from our research include:
- Neighborhood barriers such as uneven sidewalks (a challenge for 55% of questionnaire participants, with some experiencing dangerous incidents) and poor street lighting (a priority for focus groups, especially along Queens Blvd) significantly hinder the safe mobility of seniors in the neighborhood.
- There’s a strong demand for affordable, accessible housing that supports aging in place, alongside a high need for home modifications (30% of survey respondents had made them, and the workshops emphasized this need) and medical alert devices (identified as a high need by focus groups, though only 18% of survey respondents had one).
- Social connection and community spaces are crucial, with participants emphasizing the importance of local, walkable areas for well-being. A significant majority of survey respondents (61%) desired more social events, and 45% wanted more older adult centers.
Meet the Project Team
Allison Cook
Katie Hine
Andrew Lange
Adrien Logeay
Jennifer Romeo
