Cape May County is making aging easier, healthier and more inclusive for everyone who calls it home.
By joining the AARP Network of AgeFriendly States and Communities, the county has committed to creating a place where people can live comfortably and safely at every stage of life.
The initiative reflects a promise to listen, plan and take action to better support the aging population while strengthening the community for all ages.
The Cape May County AgeFriendly effort is supported by an AARP AgeFriendly grant awarded to Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County through the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services.
The grant launched the county’s age-friendly initiative and supports ongoing research by Rutgers Cooperative Extension to better understand the needs of residents as they age. The work helps ensure that programs and planning reflect the voices and experiences of the entire community.
According to the Department of Human Services, “age-friendly” describes a global movement to make communities more welcoming and livable for people of all ages.
In 2021, former Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 227 that created an Age-Friendly State Advisory Council within Human Services from which an Age-Friendly Blueprint was created for the state. The blueprint encourages aging safely and with meaning.
Cape May County has the largest percentage of residents age 65 and older in the state, making it the perfect place to assess and implement age-friendly policies and concepts.
It’s also estimated that by 2030, one out of every five Americans will be 65 or older and in 2034 the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. Aging happens to us all, but how we age is important for quality and quantity of life.
The Cape May County Aging Coalition is now forming and will bring together community leaders and agency representatives committed to building on the county’s strong foundation for aging services.
Drawing on community needs assessments, key informant interviews and focus groups, the coalition will focus on enhancing age-friendly supports. Persons or agencies interested in participating can contact Chris Zellers at [email protected] or (609)-465-5115.
As Cape May County embarks on its age-friendly journey, it will add to the already strong infrastructure that welcomes residents and visitors.
“We congratulate Cape May County on their enrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities,” said Chris Widelo, AARP NJ State Director. “We look forward to supporting them as they work to create a community that is more livable and inclusive for people of all ages.”
By CHRISTINE ZELLERS/For the Star and Wave
Christine Zellers, is an assistant professor with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Cape May County, Department of Family and Community Health Sciences.