In Memoriam - NJAAW Founder Peg Chester

Margaret (Peg) Chester, one of the founding Board members of NJ Advocates for Aging Well (formerly known as the NJ Foundation for Aging) passed away on January 1, 2026. In 1998, when NJFA was founded, Peg, served as the Executive Director of the Middlesex County Office on Aging. Along with some of her colleagues, Carl West, Rosemarie Doremus, Susan Chasnoff and Grace Egan (who would serve as the organizations first Executive Director) Peg saw a need for a statewide organization to advocate for the older adults of NJ and to bring attention to important issues (like transportation, mature workers and affordable housing) through conferences and policy reports. 

During Peg’s tenure as Executive Director of the Middlesex County Office on Aging, she was a visionary leader who inspired and mentored her staff, as well as others who worked closely with the network. She also started a public access TV program in partnership with the Piscataway Community TV Station called Aging Today in Middlesex County, which eventually became NJAAW’s Aging Insights program when Peg suggested the organization take over the production of the show with a statewide focus.

Before her retirement in 2013, Peg also served as the Director of the Middlesex County Human Services Department. And even after her retirement, she continued to advocate for the population she cared so deeply about and also served as a consultant for senior housing. 

Join us in remembering Peg Chester and her leadership, which we would not be here without.

Peg's obituary can be read here: Peg Chester

Announcing the Winners of our Housing Design Competition

NJAAW is excited to announce we have completed our Housing Design Competition, funded by a 2025 AARP Community Challenge grant. With excellent design submissions, we selected 3 winners and highlighted noteworthy designs in our report, “Sharing Innovative Housing Solutions for NJ’s Older Residents.”

Congratulations to Randy Sovich, FAIA, LEED® AP for his winning design, "The Plum Tree Dwelling” and Melody Ho for her ADU design, “LUMA.”

Our judges, Steve Leone, AIA. LEED ap BD + C, Marina Rubina, Tim Evans, Tom Toronto, Edward Truscelli and Kristin Spence selected the winning designs because they are realistic, feasible, adaptable, and real people would love to live in them! A big thank also to our volunteers who helped shape the competition - Dean Dafis, Ann Lippel, Chris Sturm and Christopher Black BSHA, RCFE.

We’re excited to share the designs and look forward to seeing them built in New Jersey. See our report with the winning designs and other noteworthy elements.

You can see the report here: Report

 The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages, with an emphasis on people ages 50 and older.

Innovative "Grandfamilies" Housing Named after NJAAW Founder

On November 13, a new and innovative apartment community named after NJAAW founder, Carl F. West, opened in Washington, DC. The Carl F. West Estates is an 11-story, 208,000 SF affordable senior housing redevelopment that redefines intergenerational living. The community includes 179 independent senior units, 36 of which are grand-family units specifically and thoughtfully designed for grandparents raising their grandchildren.

How can we bring this new model of housing to the Garden State? Visit the Carl F. West Estates website to learn more about this unique development: https://coakleywilliams.com/projects/carl-f-west

Lifelong Strong New Jersey

2026 is the Year of Prioritizing Aging in New Jersey

We are starting 2026 with a new sense of excitement to move New Jersey toward a Multisector Plan for Aging. While Lifelong Strong New Jersey made great progress toward our goal of having the next governor of New Jersey commit to an MPA, the work is not finished.

Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill assumes office in two weeks. Among her top priorities for New Jersey residents, addressing the needs of older adults must be paramount. 

That’s why we ask that you please join our letter-writing campaign to Governor-elect Sherrill to enact an executive order calling for a Multisector Plan for Aging within her first 100 days in office. 

Read and sign-on to the letter here.

You can also share our ideas with the transition team through this website: https://www.nj.gov/govelect/

We encourage you to take the survey, and share your suggestions and ask the transition team to commit to an MPA.

A Year of Monumental Advances for Aging Advocates

The age-friendly movement in New Jersey deepened and widened in 2025, so much so that our alliance is starting the New Year with a new name, greater statewide impact, stronger advocacy partnerships and an expanded role in mentoring new community leaders.

Our alliance re-christened itself Age-Friendly NJ this summer, after the launch of 28 new age-friendly initiatives in New Jersey, many located outside of the North Jersey region where our alliance formed a decade ago.

The new name reflects our commitment to serving as an inclusive and expansive platform for age-friendly education, advocacy and partnership-building across the Garden State.

Continue reading: here

From Vision to Action

The NJ Department of Human Services' webinar, "From Vision to Action: New Jersey's Age-Friendly Journey," is now available to view. This webinar highlights New Jersey's Commitment to becoming an age-friendly state, and the potential for a Multisector Plan for Aging as our next steps.

Watch the recording below:

Winter Virtual Programs from Parker

Parker's Virtual Programming provides older adults with free access to a rich array of arts, culture, entertainment, and wellness activities. The diverse programs are free of charge and offer opportunities for older adults to engage in lectures, virtual field trips, interactive arts, wellness sessions, live performances, and more, all from the comfort of home.

Live virtual programs take place on Zoom and are accessible from any device – desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

See the full calendar here: Calendar

To register or for more information, go to www.parkerlife.org/events or email: virtualprogramming@parkerlife.org.

OLLI-RU Winter Registration Open!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Rutgers (OLLI-RU) is taking registration for Winter, 2026 classes. OLLI-RU offers noncredit education that is stimulating, friendly, and informal. Join this learning community full of diversity, insight, wisdom, intellectual and cultural stimulation, and friendship.  

Virtual and in-person classes start January 5, 2026

To see the winter class offerings, click here: OLLI RU.

OLLI-RU CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: https://olliru.rutgers.edu/

Phone: 848-932-6554

Email: olliru@docs.rutgers.edu

Enabling Technology for Independence and Peace of Mind

“Technology” conjures many different reactions and ageist stereotypes. But enabling technology, which empowers people to leave more independent, connected and fulfilling lives, focuses on education and learning what a person needs and wants to maintain their independence.

Join us to hear from Susan Nasberg-Abrams, Director of Life|Home|Tech at JSDD as she discusses enabling technology and highlights the home tech apartment in South Orange, which showcases many aids older adults and their caregivers can use to maintain independence and increase safety.

Watch this episode here: Life Home Tech

A Guide on the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Approach

for State Units on Aging

The Jewish Federations of North America, Center on Aging, Trauma and Holocaust Survivor Care, recently published "Changing States’ Approach to Aging Services A Guide on the Person-Centered, Trauma-Informed Approach for State Units on Aging."

Recognizing that as many as 90% of older Americans will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, Person Centered Trauma Informed Care recognizes the role of trauma in the aging process. To provide the best possible care to older adults with a history of trauma and their caregivers or care partners, it is essential to provide care that is both person-centered and trauma-informed.

Read the full report here: Guide to PCTI

For more information form PCTI work in New Jersey, see our Aging Insights interview from Aging Episode 121

Senator Booker Releases

New Jersey Veterans Handbook

On Veterans Day last month, NJ Senator Cory Booker released his 2026 Veterans Handbook, an updated version of his comprehensive resource guide for New Jersey veterans and their families.

The handbook is a collection of resources designed to help New Jersey veterans with the transition from military to civilian life and includes information on health benefits, workforce centers, employment opportunities, federal and state education programs, crisis support services, and more.

Access the full report here: NJ Veterans Handbook

State of New Jersey Releases Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan 

New Jersey Department Human Services, in partnership with seven state agencies, announced the release of the New Jersey Direct Care Workforce Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap to support, grow, and stabilize the workforce that provides essential care to older adults, individuals with disabilities, and residents with behavioral health needs.



The plan outlines more than 40 data-driven strategies to improve recruitment, strengthen training and career pathways, and support the long-term retention of direct care workers including direct support professionals (DSPs), certified home health aides (CHHAs), personal care assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), peer recovery specialists, youth support professionals, and self-directed employees.

Read the full plan here: DCW Strategic Plan

For information on the need for and challenges of the direct care workforce, see the Essential Jobs Essential Care Coalition of NJ's website: essentialjobsnj.org

New Certified Professional in Age-Friendly Health Care Credential

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) has launched the, "Certified Professional in Age-Friendly Health Care" (CPAFH) with the next instance of their two-day interactive review course on January 29-30 to help prepare for the certification.

The CPAFH credential sets the standard for excellence in the care of older adults. Informed by the evidence-based 4Ms Framework (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility). It affirms professionals' ability to provide safe, person-centered care across settings by validating skills and showcases commitment to providing and leading age-friendly health care grounded in what older adults value most.

To learn more about the program, the exam and timing of a two-day interactive course, visit the IHI website at https://www.ihi.org/learn/certifications/cpafh

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

Marjorie Prime

Jordan Harrison’s play, Marjorie Prime, is now playing on Broadway. Reworked from earlier runs in Los Angeles and a film version by Pulitzer Prize finalist Jordan Harrison and directed by Anne Kauffman, it is this story of memory, grief, legacy, aging, love, loss and family.

What would we do to preserve memories, our loved ones, and can we rely on technology to help us?

Read a review by NY Theater Guide here: Marjorie Prime