New York is one of the biggest cities in the world. People from worldwide come to visit or live in the Big Apple every day. As an NYC resident, you may wonder about some of the challenges of growing old in such a big city. Read on for some insight that can help with such a transition.

Take Care of Your Health

One of the best ways to handle your aging health in NYC starts with what you put in your body. As a New York resident, you may be very familiar with the city's famous street food, which can be tasty but not healthy. If you indulge in the famous local hot dogs, do so sparingly or not at all, as processed food can negatively affect your health.

New York is a big city with plenty of food stores ranging from small neighborhood bodegas to large superstores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and other regular markets. You can also find farmers’ markets around the city, which are great places to buy fresh fruit and vegetables from Upstate farmers. Putting healthy foods in your body isn't only great for your physical health, but also helps the aging brain. According to the American Health Care Association, four in 10 residents living in assisted living facilities have Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Reduce the risk of cognitive decline by consuming foods that are helpful for your body.

Understand Your Housing Options

While being a homeowner is great, most New York residents of all ages tend to rent. As you grow older, your income may reduce, especially if you're on a pension or Social Security. Luckily, New York City has special housing options set aside to ensure senior populations have affordable housing. Affordable senior housing is available to you regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, thanks to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you develop dementia, other cognitive issues, or have physical ailments, the city has assisted living facilities, nursing homes, adult homes, and a home-sharing program to meet your needs.

Avoid Driving

The traffic in NYC is notorious and can lead to accidents. So, it's best to play it safe and avoid driving as you grow older in the city. If you become the victim of a vehicle-related accident, the statute of limitations is three years for personal injury cases in the state. You can safely get around by taking advantage of the city's walkability. The sidewalks are huge, and the city is planned on a grid, so it's impossible to get lost. NYC also encourages residents to use biking for their health and eco-friendly transport thanks to more bike paths and accessible bike rental programs.

Utilize the Parks

Central Park is one of the oldest parks in the country. If you look at a map of New York City, you'll notice how massively big the park is. So, it's easy to exercise, enjoy nature, and take in seasonal events like Shakespeare in the Park and outdoor movies. You can also hop on the train or bike to enjoy parks over in Brooklyn and other boroughs as well.

Living in New York City can be a thrilling experience at any age. If the Big Apple will be your home into your senior years, there are ways to utilize all the city has to offer to make the transition an easy one. Whether it's going for frequent walks, avoiding driving, accessing adequate housing, or taking advantage of the vast food markets, you can age with grace and be as healthy as possible for a long time.