According to Albany County Legislator Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin, older people have a lot of the same quality of life concerns as all residents – public safety, affordability, taxes, etc. In Albany County, in an effort to alleviate some of that burden, they put forth a new bill so people wouldn't be taxed out of their home. Because if you are trying to stay in your home, it needs to align with the income that seniors may be locked into. Seniors, like many residents, are feeling the strain, because in Albany County, 20% are missing meals. So we also need to make sure that we are supporting organizations that are getting food out to those who need it. 

Additionally, caregivers all across the country are feeling extra stress by taking care of a loved one, and part of the solution is funding. Another part is outreach – and that means counties hiring people that are able to share that information with an older constituency. 

You can watch the full interview with Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin in the video above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York, on In Focus with JoDee Kenney — every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.