NJAAW Vice-Chair Leads Study to Help Shape New South Jersey Microtransit Service

Since 2021, researchers at the Rutgers Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC), part of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, have worked with transportation providers in New Jersey and across the country to explore how microtransit can improve mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. Led by Andrea Lubin, Managing Director of NJTIP, and Stephanie DiPetrillo, Senior Research Project Manager, the research and planning effort explored opportunities to create more seamless travel options within and across county lines. Their work helped inform the development of CG Hopper, a new microtransit pilot serving portions of Camden and Gloucester counties.

Through national and statewide outreach, the research identified challenges, opportunities, and implementation strategies for cross-county microtransit service. As plans for a South Jersey pilot advanced, Lubin and DiPetrillo continued working with project partners to translate research findings into an operational service. The study included demographic, transportation network, and accessibility analyses focused on key activity centers in Camden and Gloucester counties, helping identify areas where improved mobility options could provide the greatest benefit.

Continue reading here: Microtransit

Continuing the Conversation

Samantha Williams, MSW Intern 

The Black Aging Summit may be over, but the conversation and the work continue. Since the conclusion of the summit, NJAAW and community partners have remained engaged with the Aging While Black team to build on the momentum generated by this important event. 

The summit highlighted the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black elders while reinforcing the importance of addressing disparities through an equity-centered lens. As discussions continue, partners are working together to identify opportunities for advocacy, education, and systems change that support all older adults in aging with dignity and respect. 

Looking ahead, NJAAW's next step is to hear directly from older adults across New Jersey. A statewide survey is currently being developed to better understand how aging experiences may differ based on race, ethnicity, culture, and other aspects of identity. The information gathered will help inform future programs and advocacy efforts. 

Be on the lookout for upcoming communications about the survey and opportunities to participate. 

Resource Spotlight: Center of Health Equity and Well-being (CHEW):  

The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing (CHEW) is New Jersey’s first Public Health Institute and the first in the nation founded with health equity as a core priority. CHEW works to improve health and well-being by addressing the social determinants of health, including housing, education, transportation, employment, and access to care. Through research, community partnerships, advocacy, and public health initiatives, CHEW seeks to reduce health disparities, strengthen communities, and ensure all New Jersey residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health and well-being. Learn more about their work by clicking here: CHEW

"Seniors now outnumber students in N.J. schools — why isn’t aging a bigger priority?"

Thank you, Anthony Advincula and Cassandra Etienne from Montclair State's Center for Cooperative Media for the opportunity to speak about aging and quality of life last month. Thanks also to NJ.com editor, Enrique Lavín not only for moderating, but for his column expounding on my and AARP NJ Director, Christopher Widelo's comments at the press briefing.

By Enrique Lavín | NJ.com:

New Jersey now has more residents over age 60 than students in its classrooms.

Cathy Rowe, executive director of New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well, shared that during a recent briefing I moderated about aging, health care and artificial intelligence.

When I heard it, I did a double take. So I asked her to circle back to it.

“We have been saying this for a while, that within 10 years, residents over 60 are going to outnumber students in our schools,” she said. “Well, it turns out last year we hit that mark.”

Sure enough, the most recent census estimates show New Jersey has about 2.3 million residents 60 and older. Last school year, about 1.36 million students were enrolled in the state’s public schools, according to state Department of Education data.

It may sound like a demographic curiosity, but it could be one of the biggest stories facing New Jersey over the next decade.

Read the full article here: NJ Spotlight

Wheels, Walkers & Wanderlust

Travel Without Limits

Thursday, November 5

2-3PM 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

CMS NY/NJ Webinar: Identity Theft Protection

November 17, 2026

11:00 am - 12:30 pm

CMS NY/NJ's monthly webinar will focus on Identity Theft Prevention: What identity theft is; how to prevent it including warning signs and tips and how to recognize and avoid scams.

Guest speaker: Telesha Mahadeo, Consumer Education Community Liaison, New York Department of State, Division of Consumer Protection

To attend, please click here: Register

It's Okay to Ask for Help: Reducing Mental Health Stigma among Older Adults and Caregivers

December 1, 10:30am - Noon

Webinar

The New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma will host a special virtual webinar, focused on reducing mental health stigma among older adults and caregivers while strengthening social connection and support. As part of its 

ongoing work to reduce stigma across New Jersey, the Council  is exploring what organizations can do differently to create environments where it is safe to ask for 

help, address isolation and loneliness, and connect people to available resources.

To register, click Here

Milken Institute Report: The Future of Aging and Longevity - A Decade of Progress, A Decade to Act

The Milken Institute recently released "The Future of Aging and Longevity: A Decade of Progress, A Decade to Act," a collection of essays, interviews and expert commentary from more than 50 leaders across sectors and disciplines.

The report calls for a new model for aging because "to realize the value of increasing longevity, we must change hearts, minds and attitudes."

Read the full report here: Milken

Long Term Care: A Core Affordability Challenge for Families

Seven in 10 Americans will need some sort of long-term services and supports as they age and the health care coverage most older Americans rely on, Medicare, does not cover it. With growing policy and public interest in addressing this challenge, the SCAN Foundation's webinar discussed what comprehensive long-term care reform requires, why policymakers don't need to start from scratch to make meaningful progress, and how getting this right is fundamentally about economic security.

Watch the recording below:

We All Live Here

By JoJo Moyes

Giving new insights to the intergenerational modern family, this humorous, heartwarming, and often tender book reminds us that we all have "stuff" to deal with at every age.

We are never too old or too young to find love, build new friendships or bond over common enemies. Especially when all living under the same roof.