ABSTRACT
Despite the proliferation of luxury buildings, some old tenements remain on almost every block, particularly east of Third Avenue. Apartments in these tenements are largely occupied by the elderly, who constitute about one-fifth of the area's population. The Lenox Hill Neighborhood Association (LHNA), a settlement house founded by alumnae of Hunter College, provides many of the needed services. LHNA sponsors a senior citizens center with about 1,800 members who receive hot lunch and participate in special interest groups. It offers an outreach program to the homebound elderly, which provides ongoing personal assistance to about 900 older adults, thereby making it possible for them to remain in their own apartments in a familiar neighborhood. LHNA works with city officials to provide decent, low-cost shelter on the Upper East Side for the low-income elderly. The reaction of the elderly tenants demonstrates what design elements they consider desirable, in fact, essential in their housing.
