AARP New York Launches Free 'Staycation' Guide as Costs Squeeze Families
New York – September 08, 2026 -- AARP New York has rolled out a Staycation and New York Experiences campaign offering free events, day trips, classes and downloadable postcards to help residents 50 and older stretch their budgets this fall.
Rising utility bills are driving the push for local, low-cost fun.
An AARP report released earlier this year found that 84% of surveyed New Yorkers saw their utility bills increase over the past year, and 88% expect costs to keep climbing. Family caregivers face added transportation, medical and household expenses on top of that, according to AARP New York.
A nationwide survey shows staying home has become the norm.
People Magazine labeled 2026 'Staycation Summer,' pointing to a Monster survey in which 52% of workers said rising living costs kept them home more this summer, 39% cut back on trips, and 37% sought cheaper leisure activities.