The World They Knew, Now They Watch
Originally published in The New York Times, October 24, 2004

IF you walk down a New York City street and look up, you will often see an elderly person staring down, watching life pass by. These are New Yorkers, largely homebound, for whom the city is at best experienced at arm’s length. The elderly make up 20 percent of Manhattan’s residents, and their numbers are ever increasing, with the fastest-growing group being over 85. One can’t help but wonder who cares for them, and how do they manage, especially if they have no friends, family or helpful neighbors.