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NJAAW News and Resources
September 2, 2026
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Summer is almost over, but our advocacy for policies and program that enable all New Jersey residents to age with dignity and choice is not.
We have a lot going on this fall, and look forward to seeing you at our events and hope you consider joining our partners' events we list below.
| | Lifelong Strong New Jersey | |
The following article was published in major newsrooms throughout New Jersey, including the Sunday edition of The Record, The New Jersey Herald, Courier News, Home News Tribune, and Asbury Park Press.
By Roberto Muñiz, President & CEO of Parker Health Group
Every semester, I open my Aging and Public Policy course at Rutgers University with a simple question for my students: “Why did you take this class?”
Perhaps an honest student or two would admit they just need the credits.
I use the moment to remind them of something that changes the conversation entirely. These students, some of whom are still teenagers, are already aging. Every one of us is aging. And the policies we design today will determine the New Jersey that we live in tomorrow.
That is not an abstract observation. It is an urgent call to action, and one that Governor Mikie Sherrill and our state Legislature have a historic opportunity to answer.
New Jersey is at a demographic crossroads unlike any in its history. According to Lifelong Strong New Jersey, a campaign that prioritizes policies to support our older population, from 2010 to 2021, our state’s population of older adults increased by 31%. Meanwhile, the total population increased by only 5%. By 2034, we will reach a tipping point where our residents over the age of 60 will be 20% of the population. At that point, seniors will outnumber the students sitting in our classrooms.
Not long after, residents over 60 will be 25% of New Jersey’s total population.
These are not statistics to be considered a problem that is far off in the future. They are a distinct wake-up call to our state’s policy makers.
Read the full article by clicking :HERE
| | Age-Friendly Movement in NJ | | |
Some projects followed a blueprint.
Others blazed a trail.
The New Jersey Age-Friendly Grants Program officially concluded this summer, but much of the community, regional and statewide work it funded will continue in some fashion and serve as models for other age-friendly leaders to learn from or replicate.
A newly launched page on Age-Friendly New Jersey’s website details the diverse range of statewide and regional projects and community and county initiatives sparked by the 15-month-long grant program of the New Jersey Department of Human Services.
“This new web page is intended to showcase the great work that was accomplished during the grant period,” said Rebecca Martin, associate program manager of the EJ Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, which offered training and technical support to grantees. “It will also be a source of concrete ideas and replicable models for community, government and nonprofit leaders in New Jersey who are interested in launching their own age-friendly programs and projects.”
In addition to featuring narratives about the individual grant projects, the web page contains a link to two helpful community planning tools created by Rutgers University. These tools utilize American Community Survey data to support local and regional leaders in better understanding their community needs and assets.
Continue reading: HERE
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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.
Read the full press release here: 55/Redefined
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Preventing Elder Mistreatment:
A Public Health Toolkit
September 18, 2026
Noon - 1:00 PM
Join Megan Wolfe and Karon Phillips from Trust for America's Health for a deep dive into the Elder Mistreatment Prevention Toolkit.
Register by clicking: HERE
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2026 Age Friendly Community Needs Assessment
Wednesday, September 23
10:00 AM - 12 Noon
Garfield VFW, 340 Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ
Join the Age-Friendly Bergen County Roundtable for a presentation on key findings from Bergen County's
2026 Age Friendly Community Needs Assessment. During the assessment period earlier this year, the County conducted multiple focus group sessions, interviewed key community stakeholders, and gathered over 1,200 survey responses from older adults.
This is your chance to be part of the conversation about potential solutions to critical issues facing older adults in Bergen County.
Register: HERE
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Exploring What Endures: The Long-Term Durability of Age-Friendly Community Initiatives and Their Impact
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM ET, Format: Virtual
Age-friendly community initiatives have grown in remarkable ways over the past decade, but what does it actually mean for this work to be sustained over time?
Join the Rutgers University Hub for Aging Collaboration and Age-Friendly New Jersey (AFNJ) for a presentation and conversation about the sustainability of age-friendly communities. This event will share new research insights from the Hub on different approaches to conceptualizing the long-term durability and systems impact of age-friendly efforts, coupled with reflections from leaders of mature initiatives about the evolution of their age-friendly work in New Jersey. Join us to explore the expansive ways age-friendly work endures in age-friendly champions and in our communities over time.
This event is free and open to the public. It features age-friendly communities in New Jersey, but is of relevance for the global Age-Friendly Movement.
To download the flyer, click here: Flyer
To register, click here: Register
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Age- Friendly Health Systems in Action
Wednesday, September 30
2:00-3:30 pm via Zoom
As Age Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) expand and grow throughout the country, New Jersey's early adopters are showing positive and promising results.
In NJAAW’s 3rd annual AFHS virtual summit, “AFHS In Action,” we will hear from health systems that are actively implementing the 4 Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility) and adopting age-friendly practices. With active examples in geriatrics, palliative care and PACE programs, our speakers will
highlight real-world innovations, measurable outcomes, and actionable next steps that have helped advance 4Ms care within their health system and practices.
Speakers Include:
- Sara Ali, M.D., Director of Geriatrics and Serenity Palliative care, James and Sharon Maida Geriatrics Institute at Robert Wood Johnson PCEM
- Hamza Habib, MD, JD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Goals of Care coalition of New Jersey
- Sandy Festa, AVP/Executive Director FQHC/PACE, Atlanticare
Moderated by: Vikranta Sharma MD FAAHPM, NJAAW Trustee and Regional Medical Director HPM RWJ-BHMG
Register here: AFHS Systems
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Join IFA for the International Day of Older Persons
October 1, 9-10am
virtual
The world has entered an age of longevity. As people live longer, preparing for the future requires coordinated action across health and care, employment, social protection, infrastructure, technology, financing and beyond. As highlighted in UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ report to the 81st session of the General Assembly, longevity is not confined to a single sector. It is a cross-cutting governance issue that calls for coherent, whole-of-government approaches to address both the opportunities and challenges of longer lives.
To mark the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2026, IFA will host a global virtual dialogue bringing together colleagues from the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations, and countries around the world to explore progress, persistent gaps and priorities for action. The discussion will spotlight multisectoral action and innovation, considering how the policies, partnerships and investments we make today can help build longevity-ready societies for decades to come.
For more information and to register, click here: IFA
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CMAP annual Symposium on Ageism
Confronting Bias. Advancing Care. Empowering Choice
Friday, October 2
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
NJHA Conference Center in Princeton.
This year's theme, Confronting Bias. Advancing Care. Empowering Choice, brings together older adults, caregivers, aging-sector professionals, researchers, and advocates for a full day exploring the intersection of ageism, cognitive health, communication, and person-centered care.
For details and to register, click here: FLYER
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Wheels, Walkers & Wanderlust
Travel Without Limits
Accessible Travel
Thursday, November 5
2:00-3:00 pm via Zoom
Just in time for the holidays – join NJAAW and Diane Vitilio, MS, OTR, Aging in Place Specialist and Accessible Travel Consultant to learn practical tips and helpful suggestions that will give you the confidence to travel again.
Learn about resources available that make your journey easier, even with mobility challenges. With the right planning, resources, and support, you'll be ready to start turning your travel dreams into unforgettable experiences.
For more details, download the flyer: HERE
Register here: Wheels & Wanderlust
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Making Your Senior Center Hearing-Friendly
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. The NJ Association of Senior Centers (NJASC) virtual event shared how 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 PhD student
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Dementia in New Jersey
Research and Resources
Hear leading experts from across New Jersey for an informative discussion on dementia awareness, current research, and valuable resources available for individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals. Speakers include:
- Demi Pavlakos, Manager of Programs and Services at Alzheimer’s New Jersey,
- Kerri Sherer, Deputy Director of the Bergen County Division of Senior Services, and
- Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, Director of Neuropsychology, Neuroscience and Traumatic Brain Injury Research at Kessler Foundation
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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
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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.
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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
| | 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. | | | | |
