Local government and nonprofit groups in New Jersey can apply for grants to develop age-friendly initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of older New Jerseyans.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services announced it has $5 million in grants available to help communities create more inclusive environments. The initiative stems from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint rolled out in May.
Local governments and nonprofits can apply for $70,000 and $100,000 grants:
- Age-Friendly Communities grants of $70,000 each to build community partnerships, execute a community needs assessment, create an action plan to become an Age-Friendly Community, and enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
- Age-Friendly Project grants of $100,000 each to implement a project that addresses one or more recommendations from the Blueprint.
Age-friendly Domains of Livability
The Department’s Division of Aging Services (DoAS) will manage the grant, provide training to grantees, and help promote age-friendly practices throughout the state.
The grants promote public, private, and cross-sector partnerships, as well as public policies that improve the health, wellbeing, satisfaction, and quality of life for all residents by addressing the eight age-friendly domains of livability, established by the World Health Organization:
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
“Everyone benefits from making communities more livable for people of all ages. We are providing financial and technical support to assist communities that want to become age-friendly because we know it makes a difference and will have a lasting impact on future generations. I hope organizations will take advantage of this funding opportunity and apply,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire.
Age-Friendly State Advisory Council
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 227 creating an Age-Friendly State Advisory Council within Human Services. The executive order called for the department to develop a blueprint, informed by the Advisory Council, outlining strategies to advance age-friendly practices across the state. Commissioner Adelman chaired the Council.
The Blueprint focuses on:
- Positioning New Jersey as an innovator in aging
- Expanding the number of age-friendly municipalities
- Viewing aging as an asset
- Embedding aging in all policies
- Reimagining and integrating the continuum of long-term care services
- Helping residents have the resources to live a meaningful life in the community they choose
- Giving people of all ages access to health and social supports and reducing disparities
“We have grants available for communities who have not yet started on the path towards becoming age-friendly, and those who have and are ready to put their plans into action. Wherever you are in the age-friendly process, these grants can help communities reach their age-friendly goals,” said Division of Aging Services Assistant Commissioner Louise Rush.
Aging Populations
New Jersey’s population of individuals 65 and over is expected to grow from 1.5 million in 2019 to 1.9 million by 2030. By the end of this decade, 1 in 5 New Jerseyans will be 65 or older, according to state data.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2030, people aged 65 and older will make up 21% of the country’s population – 73.1 million, up from 15% of the population in 2016, or roughly 49.2 million.
“This presents an opportunity to make New Jersey a place where people of all ages can live healthy lives, achieve financial security, and be treated with respect and equality. A dedicated effort by all to improve all aspects of life, from housing to healthcare, can make the state a better place for residents of all ages,” according to the state’s Blueprint.
Age‐friendly communities provide accessible transportation and housing options, as well as meaningful volunteer and social opportunities. The Age‐Friendly movement supports older adults living at home as long as possible by promoting safe public spaces and easy access to essential services.
“Older adults play a valuable role in our community and economy, and an age‐friendly New Jersey will ensure their involvement and contributions are fully utilized. As New Jersey’s population ages, age‐friendly communities benefit everyone, enhancing the state as a fulfilling place to live,” the state said.
The AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities
In 2021, New Jersey became the ninth state to join the AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities. This designation recognizes progress made to make the state more accessible and inclusive for all residents. These grants will build on decades of advocacy and efforts throughout many existing communities in the state to promote Age-Friendly practices. There are currently 24 communities in New Jersey currently in the network.
“We are all aging, every day. We know people are living and working longer, we know they want to remain in their homes and communities, and we know that being age-friendly improves the quality of life for everyone,” said Stephanie Hunsinger, AARP New Jersey State Director. “We commend the Governor and his administration for recognizing the need to make New Jersey an age-friendly state, and we look forward to continuing our work together to make New Jersey a great place to grow up, and grow old.”