Case Study: Aging Well, Close to Home
How HANAC and Age Well Recreation are shaping wellness with older adults at Queensview and North Queensview.
The Partnership Began with Listening
At HANAC's invitation, Age Well Recreation met with Queensview and North Queensview residents in Astoria, Queens, in July 2026 — before a single class was scheduled. Residents met the instructors, asked questions, discussed different class offerings, and shared what mattered most to them. Their input helped shape a program designed in collaboration with them, for them, and their community.
"We wanted a partner who understood older adults and would listen to our clients. Age Well Recreation brought that approach, helping us turn clients' interests into welcoming opportunities to stay active, healthier and socially connected close to home."
The Community
Queensview and North Queensview are two neighboring cooperative communities in Astoria, Queens. Together they comprise 21 buildings and 1,090 apartments, and 15 acres — home to generations of New Yorkers who have raised families and built their lives here.
Founded in Astoria in 1972, HANAC strengthens New York City communities through social services and partnerships that respond to local needs. Its Queensview/North Queensview Naturally Occurring Retirement Community (NORC) program supports older adults as they age in place, connecting them with services, resources, and opportunities to stay active and engaged in the neighborhood they've called home for many years.
Sources: Queensview and North Queensview websites; CityRealty (North Queensview apartment total).
A Program Designed Together
HANAC sought a trusted wellness partner with experience serving older adults and an approach aligned with its mission. Together, the organizations created a program offering four classes each week across two formats.
Both classes are chair-based, with optional standing movements, welcoming different abilities and allowing each resident to participate at their own pace and comfort level.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga offers foundational yoga postures, gentle stretching, and mindful breathing to support flexibility, balance, and relaxation, with movements adapted to participants' abilities.
Yoga-Lates
Yoga-Lates blends yoga and Pilates-based principles focused on building strength, supporting balance, and engaging the core.
Participation Results
Clients' decisions to return frequently offer an encouraging sign that they highly value the experience. This pattern of engagement suggests the program is meeting their interests and encouraging continued participation.
Growth
Retention
Percentages are based on all unique in-person participants across the August–October 2026 study period, with each person counted once in the overall total.
Source: HANAC Impact Report, August 5–October 28, 2026. In-person attendance only; Zoom excluded. The +100% increase compares August's average attendance to the upper end of the reported baseline. The +8.6% increase is August versus October.
Yoga teacher Kathy with Queensview and North Queensview residents.
"For many residents, this community is where they raised their families and built their lives. As their yoga instructor, I'm grateful to bring movement and connection close to home, helping them stay active, engaged, and supported as they continue to age well here."
Reaching older adults at scale means bringing opportunities for wellness into the neighborhoods where they live. Community-based organizations such as HANAC provide an essential connection — pairing local relationships and an understanding of community needs with specialized programming close to home. For Age Well Recreation, these partnerships are central to its mission: improving quality of life for older adults wherever they call home.
"Aging in place is personal to me. My grandparents grew older at Ravenswood Houses in Long Island City, Queens. I think of them when I think about older adults aging in our city's neighborhoods — and how important wellness resources that bring movement, connection, and joy close to home are."
Tai Chi Launches in November
In response to resident feedback, the partnership introduced Tai Chi during the first week of November 2026, led by Master Joseph Sing Cheung. Slow, flowing movements and mindful breathing offer an accessible way to explore coordination, body awareness, and relaxation — while participating standing or comfortably from a chair.
Master Joseph Sing Cheung is a certified Tai Chi and Qigong instructor with a Master's degree in East Asian Studies. He served as an instructor and former Director of the Physical Arts Program at the New York College of Health Professions.
"Listening to our clients led us to add Tai Chi, reflecting their curiosity and enthusiasm for trying new things and continuing to grow. Our partnership with Age Well Recreation helps us deliver that."
About the Partners
HANAC, Inc.
HANAC, Inc. was founded in Astoria in 1972 and strengthens New York City communities through social services and partnerships that respond to local needs. Its Queensview/North Queensview NORC program connects older adults with services, resources, and opportunities to stay active and engaged as they age in place. Learn more at hanac.org.
Age Well Recreation
Age Well Recreation brings wellness and enrichment programs to older adults through senior living and community partnerships. Its yoga, movement, Tai Chi, dance, meditation, and creative programs reflect participants' interests and abilities, supporting quality of life wherever they call home.