Date post: | 16-Jan-2017 |
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Elderly & Loneliness in New York City:
Proposed Design Solution and Implementation
Alaa Balkhy, Rabia Dilara Cumhur, Maxine Morris, and Kara Schlindwein
By 2030Americans, aged 65+
will increase from 14% to 20%
93% of seniors
want to age in place, independently*
*Blumenthal & Lape, 2014
“Urbanization”Global Demographic Trend
Increased life expectancy Major shift to the cities Increased opportunities for communityBetter access to many amenities
New York City Seniors
Increase to 1.3m in New York City
1 in every 5 New Yorkers will be over the age of 65+
27% of elderly walk-up residents are at higher floors
By 2030
*Blumenthal & Lape, 2014
Challenges of NYC Seniors & Loneliness IssuesPoor infrastructure of rent-controlled apartments
Affordability of age-friendly residences
Social disconnectedness due to mobility issues
Self-isolation and loneliness
Detrimental effects of loneliness on health and wellbeing
Psychological research studies that involve pets often
examine how pets affect happiness and/or well-being to
people around them.
Programs That Help
THERAPY DOGS CANdecrease feelings of isolation
provide comfortlower blood pressure
improve cardiovascular healthdiminish physical pain
reduce the need for medication
How it Works:. Elderly Neighbors.
The NYC dept for aging will refer elder residents of the lower east side who would like to receive visits from therapy dogs. Their case workers will pair our program with their clients who are the most appropriate fit, keeping personal situations and health conditions like allergies in mind.
How it Works:. Pet Owners.
Our marketing will be targeted to Millennial pet owners. When they sign their do up for our service through the website their dog is screened for health and temperament and receives a free training and therapy pet certification through our partner the Good Dog Foundation. Rates for walks are just over the average for dog walking, but the cost is tax deductible through our nonprofit partner.
How it Works:. Dog Walkers.
All of our employees will be trained as therapy pet handlers by the good dog foundation. We will pay walkers $18/hour, more than the industry average. We aim to hire bilingual employees to better serve the 46% of the NYC elderly population that are immigrants. This will provide younger immigrants and international students with an opportunity for employment that doesn’t require higher education but pays decently.
Implementation Plan
1 2 32
MARCH JUNE SEPTEMBER
Register BusinessEstablish PartnershipsSecure Funding
Hire & TrainMarketingOutreach Launch
Implementation Plan
Startup Costs
$200 Registration
$1,000 Website
$5,000 Advertising
$300 Certification
$6,500
Operating Costs (annual)
$700 Insurance & Bonding
$100 Web hosting
$2,400 Training for Dogs
$67,392 Salaries
$73,400
Cost to Clients
$90 5 30-min. Walks/week
Anticipated Revenue (annual)
$113,580