NJ Employers: We're Making Progress—and we want YOU to be part of it!

We're thrilled to share that our groundbreaking partnership with the Age Friendly Institute is well underway, and we're actively certifying New Jersey employers as Certified Age-Friendly Employers through our Project Grant from the NJ Age-Friendly Grants Program.

Here's what makes this opportunity exceptional:

Our cohort of forward-thinking New Jersey employers is growing, but we still have availability for businesses ready to become leaders in age-inclusive employment. Through this grant, the first year of certification is completely FREE—a significant value that gives you access to proven frameworks, expert guidance, and recognition as a workplace that values experience.

Why this matters now: With over 2 million New Jersey residents over age 60—and at least 25% still working—age-inclusive practices aren't just good ethics, they're smart business. Our CAFE program helps you tap into an experienced, loyal talent pool while addressing critical workforce shortages.

The certification process includes networking with other progressive employers, access to our comprehensive training and resources, and the distinction of being among New Jersey's first certified age-friendly employers.

But time is of the essence. This grant-funded opportunity ends in early 2026, and we're building a diverse cohort across all regions and industries in New Jersey.

Ready to join us? Contact support@agefriendly.com or reach out to NJAAW at office@njaaw.org to secure your spot.

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.

Delivered under the New Communities Initiative in partnership with the DC Housing Authority and HUD, 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.

The Carl F. West Estates introduces a new model for connection, care, and shared family support.

If you attended our conference in 2024, you may remember that NJAAW awarded the annual Carl West Award for Excellence in Aging to the Christna Seix Academy for their support of grandfamilies. We know there is a growing number of grandparents raising grandchildren here in New Jersey.

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

Medicare Open Enrollment

The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period started October 15 and will go through December 7.

There are a number of ways a beneficiary can make changes:

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE to make changes by phone.
• Visit Medicare.gov, click on "Find Health and Drug Plans" to compare options, and enroll in plans online.
• Call the SHIP program for assistance at 1-800-792-8820
• Contact your local office - see here: Local SHIP Offices

To help make the best decision for yourself, see the SMP newsletter here: SMP

Lifelong Strong New Jersey

Aging and Equity in New Jersey: Why a Multisector Plan is Urgently Needed

Aging impacts all of us – but not equally. Inequities in healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity mean that older adults of color in New Jersey often face additional barriers and fewer choices as they age.

These disparities aren’t new, but they are becoming more urgent. To build a future where every New Jerseyan can age with dignity, we need a bold, coordinated Multisector Plan for Aging that places equity at its core.

Read on to learn Aging and Equity

Rutgers Report Details Launch of

NJ’s Age-Friendly Grant Program

MA state-sponsored grant program has sparked new age-friendly efforts across the Garden State, helping this decade-long movement in New Jersey take root this year in big cities, suburban counties and rural hamlets, a new report details.

The report from the Rutgers Hub for Aging Collaboration outlines the proposals and initial activities of the 38 municipalities and organizations that were awarded funds from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Grants Program of the Department of Human Services.

That grant program – the first of its kind in New Jersey – is supporting 28 local age-friendly community initiatives as well as 10 regional or statewide projects aimed at advancing the goals in the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint, a document that recommends strategies for population aging in the Garden State.

The newly funded local initiatives are in municipalities and counties sprinkled across North, Central and South Jersey. This growth will dramatically expand the geographic reach of the state’s age-friendly movement, which previously had primarily been mostly centered in the northern part of the state. 

Read on here: Rutgers Report

Making NJ Communities Dementia Friendly

TOMORROW - December 4, 10am

         Via Zoom

A dementia diagnosis doesn’t just affect the patient – it impacts their families, friends and caregivers. Supporting people with dementia goes far beyond the health and medical aspects, and helps both the patient and their loved ones remain engaged members of their communities

Join us and learn how NJ communities are making their communities “dementia friendly” for residents, caregivers and families. Kerri Sherer and Rachel Reibich, from Bergen County Division of Senior Services and Dementia Friendly Bergen County will discuss their efforts, including their new Dementia Friendly Newsletter. 

In addition, Demi Pavlakos, LSW, Manager of Programs and Services at Alzheimer’s NJ will share tips on supporting people with dementia, and the services they offer to NJ residents.

Register here: Dementia friendly

Read the new Bergen County Dementia Friendly Newsletter here: Fall 2025

NJ Association of Senior Centers -

Next Steps

Friday, December 5, 10:30 am via Zoom

In early October, 40+ people working for or with their local senior centers met to start a discussion on what an association for senior centers can do in New Jersey.

If you are ready to take the next steps, join us on Friday, December 5 to start making plans.

We will discuss:

• recruiting volunteers to help organize the association,
• plan virtual presentations for 2026,
• potential grant opportunity for centers interested in hosting "Memory Cafes",
• and more!

To get the Zoom link, click here: NJASC Next Steps

If you are interested in getting involved but can't join us, email office@njaaw.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

Recognizing and Responding to Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms, physical, emotional, financial, or neglect and often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.

In this presentation, Detective Michael Rosati from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit goes through the key warning signs and red flags that may indicate an older adult is being mistreated, as well as common scams currently affecting older adults. You will learn how to recognize patterns of abuse, document concerns, and know where to report these concerns.

Together, we can strengthen our collective ability to ensure safety for older adults.

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

NJAAW Calls for New and Innovative Approaches

to Support Older Adults

On December 2, NJAAW provided testimony at the NJ Department of Human Services Budget Listening Session, calling for new and innovative approaches to funding the needs of increasingly aging state.

This call includes:

• Piloting a sliding scale eligibility program for services for older adults, including those that pay for hearing aid, prescription drugs and more,
• More advertising and public service announcements to let people know about services for older adults, and
• A call for a Multisector Plan for Aging, which would be expansive and cost effective.

Read our testimony here: Budget

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

The Amazon Ad

I usually skip ads, but this one makes me smile.

Thank you, Amazon, for blowing up ageist stereotypes and embracing the spirit of the season!

We are never "too old" to have fun