New Yorkers Adapting to Tough Economic Times ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Most New Yorkers aren't happy about the economic situation these days, but they aren't "throwing in the towel" yet, and many are adapting to a soft economy.

Those are some of the findings in the latest survey from Siena Research Institute.
SRI Director Dr. Don Levy says by a three-to-one margin, residents feel they are worse off now, than they were a year ago.

He says over half feel the country's best economic days are in the past, and future generations will have to accept a lower standard of living.

Nearly three-quarters of the people surveyed feel food prices seriously affect their finances, and over two-thirds say they feel the pinch at the gas pump.

But Dr. Levy says many are taking strategic approaches like getting another job, or working overtime to help make ends meet.
They're also driving less, or buying less expensive items at the grocery store.

And even though more people think the economy will decline, rather than improve in the next year, nearly half feel their personal situation will improve in the next 12 months.
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