Elected Officials Must Never Forget Our Older Adults

The Power of Presence: Speaker Adrienne Adams Visits Mt. Ararat Senior Center

What an honor it was to welcome NYC Mayoral Candidate and Speaker of the NYC Council, Adrienne Adams, to our Mt. Ararat Senior Center—fresh off the heels of the latest mayoral debate! Her visit, alongside the unwavering support of Council Member Darlene Mealy, was a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing and uplifting the voices of our older adult community.

Too often, older adults are left out of the political conversation, despite being the bedrock of our neighborhoods and families. But not today. Speaker Adams didn’t just show up—she engaged. She listened. She responded. She made it clear that our older adults matter and deserve a seat at the table in decisions that impact their lives.

The room was electric with energy as members of the Mt. Ararat Senior Center spoke directly to Speaker Adams, asking thoughtful questions and sharing concerns about housing, healthcare, transportation, and community safety. These are not just policy issues—they are daily realities for older adults in Brownsville and across New York City.

We at Fort Greene Council are proud to serve older adults across Brooklyn with dignity, creativity, and care. But we cannot do it alone. We rely on elected officials to carry forward policies that support aging in place, access to services, and opportunities for continued growth, connection, and contribution in later life.

That’s why we are so grateful for leaders like Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Darlene Mealy. Their continued presence, advocacy, and investment in the Mt. Ararat Senior Center and our broader mission reaffirm the need for elected leaders to stay connected to our older adult population—not just during campaign season, but year-round.

Let this visit be a reminder: aging is not a problem to be solved, it is a strength to be supported. Our elders have earned the right to be heard, valued, and respected. And with champions like Speaker Adams and Council Member Mealy, we are optimistic about what lies ahead.

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