This project aims to assess Queens—the borough with the largest senior population in New York City—in terms of its infrastructure to support an elderly-friendly urban environment. The study also identifies areas most in need of development based on socio-economic and spatial parameters.
The spatial parameters focus on the availability of facilities that support a meaningful, healthy, and thriving life for seniors. These facilities should be accessible within walking distance. We mapped these resources along with their walkable radius and applied weighted analysis to determine which areas in Queens have the lowest availability. This spatial analysis is then combined with socio-economic data—specifically income levels and the concentration of elderly residents—to identify areas that should be prioritized for infrastructure upgrades. Including socio-economic indicators ensures that upgrades target the most vulnerable communities first.
The study suggests that priority areas for improvement include: the northern area bordering JFK Airport, the eastern periphery of Queens, Glendale, the border between Sunnyside and Hunters Point, the southern side of Astoria, the southeastern part of Ditmars-Steinway, and the northern sections of Middle Village and Sunnyside.
