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Foley Square will come alive on Wednesday, May 28, as more than 1,000 older New Yorkers gather for a citywide celebration of National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day. Hosted by the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging), the event is part of a broader effort to promote active, healthy aging across the five boroughs.

The festive gathering, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will feature two movement-based sessions designed to boost both physical and emotional wellness. Attendees will participate in bend-and-stretch exercises aimed at improving flexibility, mobility, and range of motion—critical components for maintaining independence in later life. The physical warm-up will be followed by a laughter yoga session, a practice known to reduce stress, ease feelings of social isolation, and uplift overall well-being.

“Movement is medicine,” NYC Aging noted in its media advisory, underscoring the agency’s commitment to promoting wellness among the city’s nearly 1.8 million older adults. “For older New Yorkers, staying active is one of the most powerful ways to age well.”

Adding to the cheerful spirit of the event, attendees will be given pom-poms and red clown noses to wear throughout the day. The event also marks part of NYC Aging’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and aligns with its mission to eliminate ageism and ensure older adults can live independently in their communities.

“This event reflects the agency’s mission to eliminate ageism, support independent living, and connect older New Yorkers to the resources and support they need to age in place,” NYC Aging said.

The event takes place at Foley Square, located at the intersection of Lafayette, Worth, and Centre Streets in Lower Manhattan.