Some say the plight of seniors in Garden City is discouraging. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, suggests the powers that be pay more attention to building housing for its elderly population rather than worrying about more baseball fields in the village. "Garden City is a community that needs it most," the resident said. "So many people I know would like to stay here."

Afra Russo, a widow and resident of Garden City since 1976, said although she's currently content in her home, she'd be interested in moving if some type of senior housing were to be built in Garden City.

During a forum at the Garden City Library April 20, Francine Siegel, a New York State certified social worker whose practice is entirely dedicated to the elderly and their families, discussed numerous housing options seniors could ponder when age-related problems begin surfacing.

Siegel discussed numerous housing options, including golden age homes, which she described as garden style apartments, and continuing care communities which Siegel noted are built much like college campuses. "No matter what kind of care you find yourself needing, it's all [at continuing care communities]," she said.

Siegel also discussed assisted living facilities and nursing homes despite the recent bad press. "The horror stories you've read about [assisted living facilities] are like ones you've read about nursing homes and otherwise, even stories of things that have happened in our own homes," Siegel, who counsels assisted living residents to help them adjust, noted.

Risha Levinson, coordinator for Senior Connections at the Garden City Public Library, said the forum was not a lecture on senior housing but an opportunity for Garden City's significant senior population to really learn how to choose their home. "This is a chance to learn how to make the 'so-called' senior years the best years of our lives," Levinson said.

Several seniors admitted they are considering downsizing but would like to stay in Garden City. Siegel emphasized that the decision to either move or age in place is quite personal, noting that many opt for the latter.

"Aging in place is simply staying in your home but making it accessible," Siegel explained, suggesting that seniors discuss the option with their children but ultimately make the decision on their own.

An application for an assisted living facility on the Cathedral Nursery School property on Cathedral Avenue is currently before the Garden City village board. No decision has yet been made.

Senior Connections will hold its next seminar on retirement June 1 at the downstairs meeting room of the Garden City Library.