NJAAW News and Resources

October 1, 2025

NJAAW Welcomes New Board of Trustees Member, Lauren Snedeker, DSW

The Board of Trustees of New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well is pleased to announce Lauren Snedeker, DSW, LSW has joined the organization's leadership.

Dr. Snedeker is Assistant Professor and Director of the Aging and Health Certificate Program at Rutgers University, and is a

Core Faculty Member of the Hub for Aging Collaboration

School of Social Work. Dr Snedeker has long been a leader in the field of aging in New Jersey and is a familiar face to many of NJAAW's partners.

NJAAW Chair Michele Kent said "It's hard to imagine anyone with more expertise in the field of aging than Lauren Snedeker. Her academic work in ageism, in depression and aging, in the correlation between aging and isolation, in aging policy, etc., etc., make her an excellent addition to our Board of Trustees. I am confident Lauren will be a valuable asset as we move forward in the development of a multi-sector plan in aging and other key organizational goals. It's an honor to welcome Lauren."

Asked why she is involved with NJAAW, Dr. Snedeker responded: "I am involved with NJAAW because I am committed to advocating for the well-being, rights, and dignity of older adults. In my work as a social worker and as a professor, I have witnessed both the challenges and joys of elderhood. Many older adults face ageism, social isolation, limited access to services, chronic illness, and caregiving responsibilities. At the same time, at this stage of life, I have seen the fulfillment in strengthening relationships, pursuing new careers, and embracing lifelong learning. NJAAW’s commitment to raising awareness, promoting education, and influencing policies that enhance the quality of life for older adults is what excites me the most. Being involved allows me to extend my impact and support this important mission."

Welcome and we look forward to working with you!

NJAAW Housing Design Competition Deadline for submissions is October 31, 2025!

New Jersey faces a housing crisis. And we plan to find solutions.

To highlight the housing challenges facing older residents AND help identify solutions, NJAAW has received an AARP Community Challenge Grant to hold a design competition across 3 categories:

1 - Accessory Dwelling Units

2 - Detached single family

3 - Multi-family housing (2+ units).

Please see - AND SHARE - our webpage with details, criteria, resources and links to the submission form here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/TIz5cIH/Design

New & Noteworthy

Lifelong Strong New Jersey

Did you know that New Jersey’s population is getting older?

From 2010 to 2021, NJ’s population of older adults increased by 31%, while the state’s overall growth was just 5%.

By 2034, residents aged 60+ will outnumber K-12 students and make up 25% of NJ’s total population

We need to prepare for an “older” New Jersey. Every aspect of our lives and all parts of our economy will be directly impacted by how we choose to prepare for this change in our population.

So, what can we do? Many states are adopting Multisector Plans for Aging - comprehensive looks at every sector of the economy and the government with recommendations on the best ways to address changing needs of aging populations. We think New Jersey should be next.

Lifelong Strong NJ is asking the next Governor of New Jersey to recognize our increasingly older population and include aging as an important consideration in all policy discussions so that New Jersey can become the best place to grow up and grow older. Visit LifelongStrongNJ.org for news, updates, blogs and to sign up for the Lifelong Strong NJ newsletter.

To learn more about Multisector Plan for Aging, click here: Multisectorplanforaging.org

Age-Friendly Movement in NJ

Revived Senior Center Association to Provide Support, Networking and More

Senior centers open many doors for those who frequent them, doors that connect older adults to social interaction, physical activities, educational programs and other essential services.

They also offer a window for New Jersey’s leaders, a window into the everyday needs, desires and challenges of the Garden State’s older population.

That’s why the goal of making New Jersey more age-friendly should also include an effort to support, strengthen and align its senior centers.

Thanks to a new grant from the Friends Foundation for the Aging, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) is seeking to do just that, through the re-establishment of the New Jersey Association of Senior Centers (NJASC). The association will serve as a comprehensive support network for senior center professionals, offering resources, training, and connectivity. It will also offer an opportunity for those professionals to come together as advocates for the older adults they serve and to join with other key campaigns in the state, such as the expanding age-friendly movement and the current Lifelong Strong New Jersey push for the creation of a multisector plan for aging.

Read the complete article here: AFNJ Blog

AFNJ Alliance Virtual Meeting: Resources from Alzheimer's Association of Greater NJ

October 23, 10:00- 11:30 am

Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH, Program Director at the Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter, will discuss some of the programs and resources the chapter has to offer. Dr. Gorman will cover the Association's wide range of educational programs, including education for the general public on the signs of Alzheimer's and the nature of the disease, and caregiver training, including how to respond to and manage dementia-related behaviors, how to communicate effectively, how to support independence for those who struggle with activities of daily living, how to plan for the future (financially and otherwise), and other related topics. Learn about the ways the Association can support you and your work to ensure better aging across the state.

We will also hear about Bergen County's dementia-friendly work and how it fits into their larger age-friendly efforts.

NJAAW's Primer for Building Age-Friendly Towns and Communities

We are pleased to share the Primer for Building Age-Friendly Towns and Communities. This document shares the experiences, successes and resources from active age-friendly communities.

.Download the document here: Primer

For additional ideas and resources for fostering age-friendly efforts, we recommend Age-Friendly Ridgewood's "Municipal Toolkit" which can be viewed here: AF Ridgewood Toolkit

Events

Deep Dive Series:

Preparing for Aging

Final Session Understanding Solo Agers

Join NJAAW for the final session of the 3-part, “Preparing for Aging” on October 3 at 1-2pm.

Our topic is "Understanding Solo Agers" with speakers:

Adrian Allotey, You Are Not Alone Elder Care
Shana Siegel, Norris McLaughlin, P.A and
Carl Archer, Archer Law Office

If you have not registered for the first 2 presentations, register here: Solo Aging

See the recordings of the first 2 sessions on our website under past events: https://njaaw.org/events/

Redesigning Work for Longevity: Supporting Older Workers and Working Caregivers

Note date change: Monday, October 7, 1 pm

As our population ages, the workplace needs to change and adapt. What can aging advocates, policymakers, and employers do to meet these new demands?

Katy Terveer, a Senior Advisor at Age Wave, a consulting firm focused on improving the lives of older adults, will share how we can convince companies of the opportunity in front of them to improve their talent strategy and retain their employees by redesigning the workplace for longevity. Based on two articles she co-authored for the Harvard Business Review, she’ll share research about what older workers and working caregivers want and need, policies for keeping both in the workforce, and highlight some best practices from around the globe.

We will also be joined by Emily Beach from the Age-Friendly Institute's Certified Age Friendly Employer program. NJAAW has received an AF Projects Grants from NJ DHS to foster and expand age-friendly employment practices in NJ.

This session will challenge traditional assumptions and showcase how longevity-smart workplaces aren’t just ethical—they’re strategic.

Last Call to Register!

NJ Association of Senior Centers

Lunch & Learn

October 9, 2025, 10am to 12pm

Middletown Library

Calling all senior center staff!

The first in-person meeting to revive the NJ Association of Senior Centers (NJASC) will be held on October 9. Learn more about NJASC, share your ideas & knowledge, get to know your fellow senior center leaders and (maybe) volunteer to help NJASC get up and running. Plus, hear from the Division of Aging Services about the services and programs they can offer you and your members, and Pat Bohse about the history and potential for senior centers in NJ.

Whether you have membership of 25 or 2500, we welcome you to join us and help plan for how an association can help all of NJ's senior centers - no matter how big or small.

RSVP here: RSVP Download the flyer here: Flyer.

Alzheimer's Association and NJ Department of Labor

Offer Joint Webinar

October 16, 12 pm

Join the Alzheimer's Association and the New Jersey Department of Labor on 10/16 at 12pm for a special joint webinar. This event will combine an Alzheimer's awareness presentation with an opportunity to learn about New Jersey's temporary disability and family leave policies from a representative from the New Jersey Department of Labor. New Jersey Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance programs are here to support New Jersey workers and their families through life’s challenges, whether welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious health condition, or caring for a loved one. This presentation provides an overview of New Jersey Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance programs, including eligibility requirements, types of leave, and practical tips for applying.

For details and registration, click here: Flyer

2025 Fall Senior Affordable Housing Training:

The ABCs (and Ds) of Asset Management

When: October 21, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Where: Parker at Somerset

Presented in partnership with the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), this full-day training is designed to equip housing professionals with core asset management skills essential for the effective stewardship of affordable senior housing communities.

Attendees will gain practical knowledge in key areas:

Accounting: Understand the financial backbone of property operations
Budgeting: Learn to build and manage budgets that support long-term sustainability
Contracting: Explore best practices for working with contractors and vendors
Developing Maintenance Plans: Prioritize and plan critical maintenance activities
Whether you’re an owner, property manager, asset manager, or part of a facility or housing support team, this session offers foundational tools to strengthen your impact and decision-making.

Cost : $225 for members of LeadingAge | $275 for non-members

For details and to register, click here: ABCDs

Keys to Age-Inclusion:

Collaborating and Belonging

October 9, 3 - 4 pm

The American Society on Aging presents an exciting panel how cross-sector collaboration, inclusion initiatives, and age-friendly systems can help us move beyond ageism and build a society where everyone belongs. Speakers include:

Emily Greenfield, PhD, GSA, Professor | Director of the Hub for Aging Collaboration, Rutgers School of Social Work
Megan Wolfe, JD, Senior Policy Development Manager, Trust for America’s Health
Jess Maurer, Executive Director, Maine Council on Aging
Laura Poskin, Executive Director, Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh
Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, Professor | Karen & Ronald Herrmann Distinguished Chair in Caregiving Research, UT Austin

ICYMI

Age-Friendly Health Systems – The Age-Friendly Pharmacist

See the recording from the New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) webinar on the Age-Friendly Pharmacist badge recognition.

In an effort to help older adults and those who care for them navigate the complexities of managing medications and how they affect what matters to them, their mentation and mobility, it is imperative to have collaboration from the interdisciplinary team and expertise of long-term care pharmacies and pharmacists who specialize in the care of older adults. Recognition as an Age-Friendly Pharmacist will increase knowledge, skills and approaches to caring for older adults as well as increasing visibility to others that practice Age-Friendly care.

Resources

NJ Property Tax Relief Programs

Filing Deadline October 31

The portal for applying for the ANCHOR, Senior Freeze and NJ STAY property tax relief programs is open and accepting applications. Community and local governments will be hosting free events to help residents participate in these Property Tax Relief programs. Event dates, locations, and additional details will be posted here as they become Property Tax Relief Events

What's new this year?

Eligible seniors and disabled residents only need to fill out one application, the PAS-1, to apply for all 3 programs.
Calculations and eligibility, or the "look back" are based on the 2024 tax year
You do not need to calculate reimbursement amounts - the system will compute that for you from your base year
ANCHOR - Homeowners making up to $250,000 annually, tenants making up to $150,000 annually
Senior Freeze - Homeowners aged 65 + and disabled homeowners making up to $168,268 last year and $163,050 in 2023, who have owned and lived in their home since Dec. 31, 2020 or earlier, and who still owned and lived in that home on Dec. 31, 2024
Stay NJ - Homeowners aged 65+ who have owned and lived in their home for the full 12 months of 2024 and have an annual income below $500,000. The Stay NJ program will reimburse applicants for 50% of their 2024 property tax bills, maximum benefit of $6,500, and is slated to begin payments in early 2026

For guidance on filling out the PAS-1 form, see below for the video "NJ Property Tax Relief: How to Fill Out Form PAS-1" by Ellen Steinberg and Peter Humphreys from the Senior Citizens Council:

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care:

Care2Caregivers and the COPSA Institute for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

Care2Caregivers and COPSA offer a wealth or resources for families and professionals, including upcoming Caregiver Webinars:

Recognizing Aspiration and Supporting Swallowing in Dementia Care, Oct. 1, at 7 pm
Keeping the Connection: Combatting Loneliness in Caregiving, Oct .30, at 1 pm
Well for Life: Find Balance and Strength in Your Caregiving Journey with the 9 Dimensions of Wellness, Nov. 4 at 1 pm
Dementia and Driving: Recognizing When It’s Time to Stop, November 5, 7 pm

Visit their website for more details, educational brochures and to see their Training Catalogue: COPSA

Policy Updates

The State of Washington Launches Innovative, Public LTC Program

Washington State has announced the launch of the "WA Cares Fund," providing residents a way to access to long-term care benefits when they need them.

Recognizing many residents will eventually need some form of long-term care, WA Cares Fund provides working Washingtonians a way to earn access to long-term care benefits. Residents will contribute to a shared fund which will be accessible only to those who have contributed, meet the requirements, and need care.

Could New Jersey adopt something similar? To learn more, visit: https://wacaresfund.wa.gov/

Professional Development

Getting Older in New Jersey (GO-NJ) ECHO

Select Thursdays

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join a multidisciplinary discussion led by New Jersey Adult Protective Services (APS), healthcare professionals, and advocates who are dedicated to ensuring the safety of vulnerable and older adults.

New Jersey’s older population faces increasing risks of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, particularly as individuals experience diminished capacity for self-care and increased psychosocial needs. Adult Protective Services (APS), which falls under the NJ Department of Human Services, plays a critical role in safeguarding these individuals.

Gaps in knowledge about APS processes, mandatory reporting requirements, and collaboration with healthcare providers often hinder the ability to protect at-risk adults effectively. Providers and caregivers are often unprepared to address complexities related to aging, such as stigma, ageism, trauma-related behaviors, and cultural barriers. These challenges contribute to hesitation in reporting abuse, navigating ethical dilemmas like self-neglect, and providing inclusive, affirming care that respects older adults’ self-determination and dignity. The goal of this series is to address these gaps in knowledge and address challenges for providers related to aging and navigating ethical dilemmas.

For details and to register, click here: ECHO Download the flyer here: ECHO Flyer

Support NJAAW

Is our information useful to you? Then please consider a financial contribution today. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well relies on foundation grants and other donations to fund our work. We welcome your support, your suggestions and your input for advocating for NJ's oldest residents as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and strategize for the next 25 years.

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