The Keys to Aging Well: Purpose, Connection, and Lifelong Learning

I recently had the pleasure of joining Andi Simon on her On the Brink podcast to discuss the future of aging in America. 

Together we explored how longer lives are reshaping retirement, community life, social connections, and our sense of purpose. We also discussed the growing Age-Friendly Communities movement and why planning for aging is about much more than healthcare or finances. 

If you're interested in creating stronger, more connected communities for people of all ages, I hope you'll take a listen. 

🎧 Listen here: Podcast

How the Ocean County MPA Was Built

Under an Age-Friendly Grant from the NJ Department of Human Services, Ocean County has designed the first county -level Multisector Plan for Aging. This forward-thinking MPA was designed with input from stakeholders throughout the county. It also serves as a model of what a statewide MPA will do for New Jersey.

Nearly one-third of Ocean County residents are age 60 or older, making the county home to one of New Jersey's largest older adult populations. The plan aligns with New Jersey's Age-Friendly Blueprint, focusing on housing, healthcare, transportation, social connection, caregiving supports, and access to information and resources. 

We Interviewed the leaders of the Ocean County MPA effort tp learn why, how and for whom they decided to build an MPA. Maria La Face, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and project director of Age-Friendly Ocean County. and Dr. Kathleen Cullinen, Assistant Professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and principal investigator of Age-Friendly Ocean County shared their insights, motivation and hopes for this innovative plan in the recording below

New State Grant Program Seeks to Promote Senior Wellness and Inclusion

New Jersey’s leaders are trying to remedy rising rates of social isolation by investing nearly $4 million in programs that promote connections and community ties among residents most at-risk for this growing health scourge.

The money was awarded to 18 nonprofit organizations and municipalities for outreach, companionship, wellness and socializations programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and those living in institutional settings.

“We recognize the profound effects isolation can have on an individual’s physical and mental well-being,” said Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha in a June 18 press release. “These initiatives will create opportunities for social inclusion and engagement in communities across the State, helping older residents and those with disabilities stay connected, reduce isolation, and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

The Senior Wellness Pilot Program Grant initiative comes about three years after New Jersey conducted a comprehensive study of social isolation, which found that an estimated 44 percent of New Jersey’s older adult population is socially isolated.

These social wellness grants also come a little more than a year after the state awarded grants to municipalities, counties and organizations for age-friendly projects and community planning initiatives throughout the state. Leaders of Age-Friendly NJ hailed this latest infusion of state funds into efforts promoting older adults’ wellbeing and inclusion in community life.

Continuing reading here: HERE

Age Friendly Institute and NJAAW Complete Landmark Initiative Certifying 10 NJ Employers as Age-Friendly

The Age-Friendly Institute, a 55/Redefined company and home of the internationally recognized Certified Age-Friendly Employer (CAFE) program, along with New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW) announced the successful completion of their grant-funded partnership to bring age-inclusive employment practices to the Garden State.

Over the course of the 12-month, $100,000 initiative, supported by a New Jersey Department of Human Services Age-Friendly Project Grant, the partnership drove ten New Jersey employers to become Certified Age-Friendly Employers, building a cohort of organizations recognized for their commitment to hiring, training, and retaining workers age 50 and older.

“This initiative shows what's possible when a state, an advocacy organization, and employers commit to the same goal. Ten New Jersey employers, across seven different industries, have now built the policies and practices that make them genuinely competitive for experienced talent. They're serving as a model for other companies, in New Jersey and beyond, that are rethinking what work looks like across a longer, healthier lifespan,” said Carol Jackson, Director of the Americas, Age-Friendly Institute, a 55/Redefined Company.

Certified employers span seven industries and all three regions of the state, reflecting the initiative's goal of building a diverse, statewide model for age-friendly employment:

The 2026 New Jersey Certified Age-Friendly Employer Cohort includes:

• Allen Flavors (Edison)
• Jewish Home Family (Rockleigh)
• Peace Care New Jersey (Jersey City)
• Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ (Burlington)
• Erickson Senior Living (Various locations)
• Parker Health Group (Highland Park)
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center (Newark)
• Count Basie Center for the Arts (Red Bank)
• EI Associates (Cedar Knolls)
• Columbia Bank (Online – NJ)

Read the full press release here: 55/Redefined

Extreme Heat and Protecting NJ Older Adults

Wednesday, August 12

11 am- 12 pm

Join this webinar with the NJ Interagency Council on Climate Resilience and AARP New Jersey to learn how to better protect New Jersey’s older adults from extreme heat events. 

This session will feature AARP New Jersey's State Director, Chris Widelo, moderating a conversation with three New Jersey program leaders as they discuss strategies for how to better protect older adults from the risks posed by extreme heat:

• Laura Rodgers, Chief Impact Officer, Jewish Family Services
• Nolan Lawrence, Helpline Director, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
• Dr. Kathleen Cullinen, Assistant Professor and Family & Community Health Sciences (FCHS) Educator, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County 

Learn more and register at Heat Hub NJ. 

Making Your Senior Center Hearing-Friendly

Tuesday, August 18

2 - 3 pm via Zoom

The NJ Association of Senior Centers (NJASC) invites you to a virtual event to help you make your senior center – or community space – more accessible for people with hearing loss

Hearing loss is common among older adults and often goes undiagnosed - or laughed off as part of aging. Even a slight hearing change can make it difficult for people to enjoy group activities, conversations, and community events. When spaces are designed with hearing-impaired individuals in mind, more people can fully participate in conversations, events, and social settings.

Speakers

• Elizabeth Hill, Executive Director, Division Of The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing, New Jersey Department Of Human Services
• Colette Reasonover, NJAAW Intern and Rutgers DSW candidate

Register for this free event here: Hearing Friendly

Adult Children of Aging Parents

Founded in 2012 in Hickory, NC, Adult Children of Aging Parents (ACAP) has grown from a local community program into a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. With its nationally-validated curriculum, ACAPcommunity offers a wealth of educational programs, resources, and support tailored specifically for adult children navigating the challenges of caring for their aging parents.

Join us to meet ACAP's founder, Frances Hall and the Co-chair of the Bergen County Chapter, Lorraine Montalbano, to learn about their organization, meetings and resources.

If you are interested in learning more or starting a chapter in your area, please reach out to Frances Hall at fhall@ACAPcommunity.org.

DOH Publishes 2025

Assisted Living Resident Profile Survey Report

The NJ Department of Health released the Assisted Living Resident Profile Survey Report for calendar year 2025.

The Assisted Living Resident Profile Survey (ALRPS) is an annual survey of assisted living facility organizations in New Jersey. The purpose of the ALRPS is to identify key characteristics of assisted living facility organizations and the residents they serve.

This information helps the New Jersey Department of Health (Department) better understand how the provider community is supporting the goal of promoting “aging in place.” It also allows service providers to compare their services and outcomes ot others within the state.

Read the full report here: HERE

Senior Planet

It's a digital world, and the unconnected are left behind. That's why Senior Planet technology training classes do more than just teach seniors how to use technology: they address marginalization and isolation among older adults, building a community who are empowered to accomplish their goals.

Designed especially for older learners, Senior Planet curriculum encompasses a broad range of topics, from connecting with friends and family virtually, using email and browsing the web, and saving money on utilities, to using telemedicine and improving workforce skills.

Are you interested in in bringing Senior Planet to your community? See the attached flyer, visit www.oats.org/licensing or email licensing@seniorplanet.org for more information.

IHI Launches 3rd Cohort of Age-Friendly Health Systems Online Course with Coaching

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is launching the third cohort of its in-depth Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) Online Course with Coaching for health care professionals and teams. The course begins September 23, 2026.

The course teaches the elements of the 4Ms Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility) and how to implement age-friendly care across settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and home health care organizations. It combines self-directed sessions with live virtual instruction from expert IHI faculty and supports participants as they champion age-friendly care in their organizations and work toward AFHS recognition.

Participants can earn 10 continuing education credits. The course costs $549 per person. Group registration and limited scholarships are available. Scholarship applications are due September 23, 2026.

For details, click : HERE