Bergen County has received a $70,000 Age-Friendly Community Grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. The grant is intended to help with planning and community engagement to ensure that Bergen County remains a supportive environment for older residents.
The funding will allow Bergen County to participate in the Age-Friendly Communities framework, an approach developed by the World Health Organization and implemented in the United States through AARP. This initiative focuses on building communities that support health, inclusion, and quality of life for people of all ages.
“This grant reinforces what we have long believed in Bergen County—that supporting our older adults strengthens our entire community,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “Through our Division of Senior Services, we have consistently invested in programs that help residents age with dignity, independence, and connection. This funding allows us to take a broader, data-driven look at how we can continue improving quality of life for seniors and families alike.”
Commissioner Mary Amoroso highlighted the need to listen directly to residents: “An age-friendly county starts with understanding the real, day-to-day experiences of our older adults,” Amoroso said. “This grant will allow us to engage residents directly, identify gaps, and build on the strong foundation of services Bergen County already provides to support healthy, active aging.”
The grant will be used for a countywide assessment involving surveys and focus groups aimed at identifying priorities and challenges facing older adults in Bergen County. The findings will inform an action plan designed to address any gaps found and guide future decisions regarding policies and programs.
The Age-Friendly framework evaluates eight areas that affect how people experience their communities as they age: outdoor spaces and buildings; transportation; housing; social participation; respect and social inclusion; work and civic engagement; communication and information; as well as community and health services.
Residents will have opportunities early next year to participate in surveys or other engagement activities related to this effort.
Currently, Bergen County’s Division of Senior Services offers various programs for older adults such as ten senior centers aimed at reducing social isolation, transportation assistance through Ride Connect, nutrition programs like Meals on Wheels, Medicare counseling via SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), benefits screening, and general assistance through its Senior HelpLine. More information about these services is available by calling 201-336-7400 or visiting bergencountynj.gov/division-of-senior-services.
