Day: October 29, 2025

Sponsored by AARP

Brooklyn’s District 47 is just a few days away from deciding their next City Council representative. The news team recently spoke with candidates, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to discuss their thoughts on health care. 

Q: Many seniors struggle to find affordable and nearby health care services. What strategies would you propose to expand access to primary care and specialty services for older adults, especially in underserved neighborhoods?

Santosuosso: Far too many seniors in our district struggle with health care access, and I am deeply concerned about federal cuts to Medicare making this problem worse. It is critical that the city step up to replace funding that is cut on a federal level. It is critical that whoever we elect to City Council has experience working with programs like Access-a-Ride, because bureaucratic hurdles are the last thing that should be impacting the health of our seniors.

Sarantopoulos: Many seniors in our district shouldn’t have to travel far just to see a doctor. I’ll work with local hospitals and private practices to expand bringing rotating primary and specialty care directly into our senior centers and NYCHA community rooms, and growing mobile health services in underserved areas. I’ll also work to cut unnecessary red tape so independent doctors and visiting nurses can set up care locally. Care should come to our seniors, not the other way around.

Q: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis are common among seniors. How would you support programs that focus on preventive care, management of chronic illnesses, and health education tailored for older residents?

Santosuosso: I am the only candidate in this race who has direct experience working with NYC Health & Hospitals to get better services for our seniors. It’s a fight I take very seriously because education, and early detection of these chronic conditions can have huge impacts on the quality of life of our senior citizens. Seniors who helped make this city what it is today deserve the highest level of care, and that’s what I will continue to fight for everyday. 

Sarantopoulos: As a cancer survivor, I know how important consistent care and early prevention are. Preventive support keeps people healthier and more independent for longer. I’ll support senior center wellness programs, pharmacy-based screenings, and nutrition and mobility guidance that help manage diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions. We should not wait for emergencies, we help people stay well in the first place.

Q: During public health emergencies, seniors are disproportionately affected. What plans do you have to ensure that older residents receive timely information, vaccinations, and emergency health care services in times of crisis?

Santosuosso: We need to ensure that the Office of Emergency Management is working with the Department of Health and Human Services to create plans to protect seniors well before the next pandemic begins. The care of seniors needs to be our highest priority and the time to start planning is right now, not when the crisis begins. 

Sarantopoulos: In a crisis, seniors must get clear information quickly. I will make sure emergency support services are based directly in our neighborhoods, not somewhere across the city. I also support a dedicated senior help line, a 311 for older residents, so they can call one number and get real answers fast. Seniors deserve simple and reliable guidance they can count on.

Sponsored by AARP

The news team spoke with City Council candidates for District 47, George Sarantopoulos and Kayla Santosuosso, to discuss how they would address education challenges and its effect on older residents. 

Q: What initiatives would you support to promote continued education and skill-building opportunities for seniors in your district?

Santosuosso: My district is home to some of the most active senior centers in the city, as well as beautiful libraries. Unfortunately, many of the institutions are under threat from federal funding cuts. In order for these havens of lifelong learning to continue to provide the highest quality services possible we need to ensure that funding can be replaced by the city.

Sarantopoulos: Staying mentally and socially active keeps people healthier. I’ll support affordable and free classes, art and cultural workshops and trips, and intergenerational programs through senior centers and libraries. Seniors deserve spaces to learn, share, and stay connected.

Q: Digital literacy is increasingly important for accessing healthcare, government services, and staying connected. How would you help older residents develop digital skills and ensure they have access to necessary technology?

Santosuosso: Staying connected is critical to improving the quality of life of our seniors, and  digital literacy is instrumental to that. We need to expand the digital literacy programs so many of our seniors are relying on through the public library system, as well as expand our outreach efforts so that seniors know the resources available to them.

Sarantopoulos: Too many seniors struggle with technology that has become essential for healthcare and daily life. I’ll expand hands-on digital training through libraries, senior centers & NACHA community rooms and work with providers to secure affordable internet options. Helping seniors stay connected helps them stay independent.

Q: Many seniors wish to stay engaged and informed about community issues. What programs or partnerships would you advocate for to provide educational workshops, seminars, or discussions tailored specifically for older adults?

Santosuosso: If elected, my office will always be a resource to help seniors remain connected. Beyond expanding outreach efforts about the programs we already have, we need to make a greater effort to meet people where they are at and learn from seniors themselves about what events, programs and partnerships they need to thrive in our communities. The people who built the city  continue to be one of its greatest assets, and I will always seek input from our seniors as we make decisions that impact their lives.

Sarantopoulos: Seniors want to stay informed and involved in the community. I will support regular discussions and gatherings at senior centers, local halls, places of worship, and cultural organizations where seniors can speak, share, and stay connected. And I will make sure printed information is always available for those who prefer it.