The Himan Brown 60+ Program celebrates 75 years of aging well in community

Joy soared higher than the balloons when nearly 200 members of 92NY’s Himan Brown 60+ Program gathered in Buttenwieser Hall at The Arnhold Center on June 17 for a jubilant, pull-out-all-the-stops celebration of the 75th anniversary of 92NY’s – and New York City’s – renowned program for adults ages 60+.

The 1950s-themed “Rock Around the Clock” party was created by a committee of program members themselves – among them, a 76-year-old former NYC disco owner. Together, they spearheaded everything from the decorations, color scheme, and a mural painted by program member art students to the entertainment: a live band playing songs from the era, creating a high-energy soundtrack for three hours of nonstop dancing. Members – who ranged in age from 60 to 103 – came dressed in their finery, a cocktail bar was complemented by an egg cream bar, there was fabulous food, two beloved staff members in the role of emcees, plus a photo booth, dance contests, trivia, and more. “It was a celebration that exceeded everyone’s highest expectations,” says Julia Zeuner, Executive Director of 92NY’s Center for Engaged Aging. “The joy, connection, and spirit of celebration that filled the room were truly extraordinary. The evening marked a significant milestone — not only for this landmark program, but for our institution as a whole — and stood as a powerful testament to our mission of fostering community and creating a true home away from home for everyone we serve.”

Remarks from members the next morning captured their emotions:

“The 75th anniversary party gave me so much JOY. To see US, SENIORS, dancing, singing, laughing the night away! We showed we still have our youthful vibes hiding inside us!” – Phyllis

“The [celebration] was a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special. The warmth, laughter, and genuine friendships that filled the room created an atmosphere that was both joyful and inspiring.” – Susan

“I had the time of my life last night. It was so beautiful to see all the Himan Brown members, 92NY staff, and guests having such a great time. From the decorations … the food … the music … the dance contests … the outfits … and [emcee] Mark York … a wonderful evening was had by all.” – Sue

“A woman I did not know at our table told us, “If I did not have HB at the Y, I do not know what I would do all day. The party celebrated that feeling.” – Arthur

“The party was a delightful way for members, faculty, and staff to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the center. My wife and I appreciated the animating spirit of human connection. With dozens of us sharing a physical space – that included dancing! – we enjoyed being “analog” in an increasingly digital world.” – Mark

“Thank you so much for the superb party!!!! To see us oldsters rockin’, swingin’, and twistin’ away to the oldies but goodies from the 50s and 60s, performed by a terrific band, was pure joy! – Natasha

Since its founding in 1951, the Himan Brown 60+ Program has been dedicated to bringing community, engagement and cultural enrichment to older adults. The root of its mission is unchanged. But over 75 years, its branches have grown and spread in remarkable ways. Members can take classes in a wide range of subjects led by leading experts in their fields, from the History of Art with art history professor Seth Gopin to Shakespeare with actor and renowned Shakespeare instructor Leo Schaff to an 8-week history of Israel and Palestine with history professor Matthew Ellis and much more. Beyond academics, offerings in art, movement, and language include a portraiture class, yoga, a French conversation class, and more. “The program attracts amazing, accomplished, intellectually curious people – we recognize who they are and help untap what is already inside them,” says David Knapp, Director, Himan Brown 60+ Program. “We’ve learned a lot about what older adults want and need. People are living whole new lives after 60 now. That can be lonely. Or it can be a portal to a place where you’re thriving and engaged.” The Himan Brown 60+ Program is that place, with more than 650 New Yorkers – the program’s highest enrollment ever – now experiencing all it has to offer and living its “Never stop growing” philosophy.

“It’s been an extraordinary journey,” says Zeuner, “from our beginnings as the Yorkville Neighborhood Club to establishing the high level of our programming – which benefits immeasurably from our being part of the expansiveness and excellence of 92NY – to navigating the challenges of keeping the community together during the pandemic to a move out of the building during renovations to a return in early September to a beautiful new purpose-built location on our main floor, featuring a larger space, welcome desk, dedicated lounge, mini kitchen, and more – all made possible by donors to the Campaign for the Next 150. Through it all, this community has made it clear how much this program means to them and how vital it is to their lives. It motivates us every day.”

“The 75th anniversary party wasn’t about our members being 18 again,” says Knapp. “It was about being who they are now and having fun the way they like to have fun now, with the commonality of something shared from their earlier lives. We wanted to transport people back, but not in a way that was purely nostalgic – this was about celebrating together in community. People had an incredible time – being with friends, hearing music they connect with, dancing together – there were probably 100 people on the dance floor! They were doing the Twist! And we went through 275 egg creams!”

“There was so much celebratory energy and joy and community in the room,” Zeuner says. “And it was wonderful to see groups of friends at the photo booth, eager to not just have fun together, but to capture their connection. These are people who had been complete strangers and grew to become really close friends because of this program.”

“Our 75th anniversary party was a hugely bonding experience, and now everyone has new shared memories and stories,” says Zeuner. “The Himan Brown 60+ Program community was a strong and tight one before. The celebration only deepened members feeling of connection and belonging.”

Learn more about the Himan Brown 60+ Program.