Brookdale’s christian gonzález-rivera co-chaired the annual conference of the State Society on Aging of New York (SSANY) in Saratoga Springs, New York, Sept. 30–Oct. 1. He and Mark Brennan-Ing, director of research and evaluation, presented initial findings from the newly established New York Retirement and Disability Research Center (NYRDRC). Their session focused on the barriers faced by older adults—particularly formerly incarcerated and LGBTQ older adults—when trying to access Social Security retirement and disability benefits.
In addition, gonzález-rivera led a conversation with Dr. Rachael Bedard, a writer, physician, and former head of geriatric care at Rikers Island. Their discussion underscored the critical health care needs of older adults in prisons, ethical issues around incarcerating older adults, and the systemic challenges older adults encounter during and after incarceration.
Slides:
NYRDRC: A New Aging Research Center for New York
Are Older LGBTQ+ Adults Prepared for Retirement?