Construction and Older Adults

In an ever changing metropolis such as New York City, older buildings are torn down only to be replaced by taller ones. There are now towers that exceed the 984-foot limit dividing the mere skyscraper from the “supertall.” Experts are predicting that there could be at least one mile-high skyscraper by 2050. Residents in dense, urban environments, such as the community living in and around Manhattan’s Chinatown, may feel the impact of regular construction exacerbated even further due to their living quarters being in close proximity to construction sites. Currently, very little is known about the impact of long-term construction on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly.

In 2019, NYU Center for the Study of Asian American Health (CSAAH), in collaboration with academic and community partners, conducted a review of the scientific published literature on the environmental and psychosocial health impacts of long-term construction on the quality of life and well-being of older adults in New York City’s Manhattan Chinatown. The report also summarized promising, evidence-based approaches to mitigate the health impact of construction on older adults who may have complex health and social support needs.

To access the report or to view a brief summary translated into Chinese, view the links below:

NYU CSAAH provided critical testimonies to New York City Council policy leaders in 2019, offering detailed information on the long-term impacts of large-scale, extended construction projects on older adult urban residents, in relation to plans for a Manhattan Borough-Based Jail.