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NYC Aging Gathers Over One Thousand New Yorkers to Groove in Foley Square Park

Epic Dance Celebration held on National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day

New York, NY – Over 1,000 New Yorkers of all ages came together on Wednesday, May 29 at Foley Square Park for Intergenerational Groove, a dance party celebrating the joy and power of movement. The Groove was held on National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day, a nationwide initiative to promote the importance of physical activity and highlight the efforts of local organizations dedicated to improving the health of older adults.

“Exercise benefits your body and mind, no matter your age,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration has made improving healthy eating, mindfulness, and exercise a priority for every New Yorker. I am thrilled that more than 1,000 New Yorkers came together today for a fun event, reminding us all of the importance of staying physically fit. That’s a groove we can all get behind.”

“As we all enjoy the warmer weather, Intergenerational Groove was a fantastic way to bring New Yorkers together to dance, an activity everyone can enjoy, no matter their age,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “Taking the time to exercise is important no matter how old we are lucky enough to become, especially with life spans for New Yorkers decreasing. But with initiatives like HealthyNYC the city is taking the necessary steps to reduce this trend. And all year long older New Yorkers can visit their local older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities to participate in fun and engaging classes, just like they did today.”

“Age is no barrier for the world to come together in Love, as we celebrate Dance, Music, and Art. It is a birthright of all to be creative. Groove Out Loud!” said Maria Gutierrez, Founder, NYC Groove Org.

“Aetna, a CVS Company, is proud to support Intergenerational Groove in recognition of the 31st Annual Older Adults Health and Fitness Day on May 29th, 2024 at Foley Square Park, New York,” said Maria Clara Delgado, Sr. Manager of Community Development Strategy, Aetna.

"Our priority at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital is the wellbeing of our community, ensuring top-notch care for people of all ages," said Daniel Baker, MD, Executive Director of Lenox Hill. "We are delighted to once again partner with the NYC Department for the Aging to foster intergenerational connection through movement, social engagement and self-expression, essential elements for maintaining both physical and mental health."

“For Intergenerational Groove, we recognize the power that the arts have in bringing people of all ages together,” says Juilliard Extension Dean John-Morgan Bush. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Adams and the NYC Department for the Aging and for their vision and support in championing initiatives that promote vibrant living for older adults. Through the joy of music and dance, we bridge generations and create lasting memories that resonate across our diverse communities.”

Intergenerational Groove was sponsored by Mayor Eric Adams, Department for the Aging, FDNY, Julliard Extension, Northwell Lenox Hill and Aetna. Partners were Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Lincoln Center. Groove NYC, a non-profit organization that blends fitness, dance, and healing arts to inspire confident movement and learning, led the dancing.

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About The Department for the Aging:

The Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) mission is to eliminate ageism and create a community-care approach that allows residents to continue to access the programs and resources for their physical and mental well-being. Through a network of over 300 older adult centers and naturally occurring retirement communities, support and services are provided that allow the nearly 1.8 older New Yorkers to continue living independently in their communities.

About NYC Groove Org: GROOVE NYC is a social emotional, ethical learning and healing arts curriculum that can be implemented into any community or educational environment. GROOVE uses creativity, music, movement, dance, and art for social change. GROOVE is dedicated to bringing people together to celebrate uniqueness and to be united in a movement towards a better humanity.

*NYC Older Adult Health & Fitness Day is a participating event of National Senior Health & Fitness Day, the nation’s largest annual older adult health & fitness event.