Golden Legislation Will Establish A Senior Benefits Card Program To Promote A Healthy Lifestyle For New York's Seniors

Albany- State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) is today announcing the passage of legislation, S. 322, that he sponsored which establishes a senior benefits card program which would allow local businesses and seniors to participate in a discount program that encourages healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Senator Golden, Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, reminds seniors that according to the American Dietetic Association, physical activity and a healthy diet are more significant factors than genetics when it comes to postponing or avoiding declines associated with aging. Healthy diets reduce the risk or age-related and chronic conditions, as well as acute conditions. Specifically, the nine chronic diseases that have dietary and nutritional implications are heart disease, hypertension, stroke, emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis, cancer, diabetes and arthritis.

Senator Golden stated, "Research throughout the years has shown that good nutrition and physical activity help seniors stay healthy longer, therefore helping to maintain their independence and keeping them in their own homes to live out the remainder of their adult lives. The passing of this bill will also have important fiscal implications since, with obesity, the nine chronic diseases account for a majority of the Medicare spending in the last 15 years."

Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Suffolk) is the Assembly sponsor. The bill is currently under consideration by the Assembly Aging Committee.

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