Thirty-five years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the impact of this landmark piece of civil rights legislation cannot be overstated. 

The ADA has transformed the lives of millions of Americans for the better, guaranteeing that “people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.”

This impact has been particularly felt by seniors, given the mobility limitations that often occur as we all age. 

According to 2023 data from research firm Statista, about 24% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 reported having a disability. That category accounted for more than 45% of Americans aged 75 and older.

Offering Equal Access

In New York City, fair treatment of older Americans means giving them equal access to public transit. 

Our train and bus network comprises the most expansive public transportation system in the country, connecting not just the five boroughs but countless cities and towns across three states — New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. 

Now, as we celebrate the 35^th anniversary of this life-changing law, we must recognize that there is still more work to be done to ensure that this transportation system is fully accessible to our city’s aging population. 

From 2000 to 2023, New York City’s 65 and older population grew by 53%, 17 times faster than the total population, according to a report from the New York State Comptroller. This trend is likely to continue as baby boomers age and life expectancy increases, making it vital that we address all ADA shortcomings today. 

We have an essential duty to make sure that every resident, work commuter, and traveler can utilize our robust transportation network to its full advantage. Through the ADA, seniors with mobility issues gain greater freedom to see friends and family, travel, shop, and remain engaged with an active lifestyle. 

That elevator or ADA-compliant ramp at the subway station might not mean much to the average person. Still, for mobility-limited seniors, it can mean the difference in being able to easily traverse from borough to borough or neighborhood to neighborhood to meet a friend for lunch or take their grandchildren to the park. 

Furthermore, making our subways and suburban rail systems more accessible can alleviate some of the burden on services like Access-A-Ride, which seniors often use for necessary medical appointments. 

Opening Options

Without continued investments in ADA-compliant transportation options, seniors risk falling prey to the loneliness and isolation epidemics that have proven detrimental to both physical and mental health. 

A study by the National Center for Mobility Management found that public transportation plays a key role in overcoming social isolation for older adults who are no longer able to drive independently. 

On the other hand, a lack of accessible transit “is associated with more difficulties accessing community events, health care, essential services, and social opportunities.”

Whether it’s the subway that takes seniors to their medical appointments or the Metro North, LIRR, or PATH Train to see their grandchildren, unimpeded access to quality transportation is a right that must not be ignored. 

In the 35 years since its passage, the Americans with Disabilities Act has left an indelible mark on the lives of seniors in the New York Metro region. 

Thankfully, New York is a more accessible and connected place thanks to this federal law, but the work is not yet done. Addressing the remaining obstacles will help make our region a place where everyone, regardless of age or mobility, can enjoy the connected, dynamic lives we all deserve.