SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey, known for its high cost of living, poses challenges for older residents looking to age in place. Making ends meet can be tough, even for seniors who have already paid off their houses. For renters or those with mortgages, the costs oftentimes push them to consider moving to another state.
To combat the rising costs, several New Jersey agencies created an age-friendly guide to make living more affordable. The blueprint identifies several areas of improvement: housing, health, transportation, socialization, employment, and communication and outreach.
“Some of the recommendations that we highlight are about how to make modifications or how to build housing that will remain affordable and accessible for people as they age,” said Kaylee McGuire, New Jersey Department of Human Services deputy commissioner for aging and disability services.
New Jersey’s population of people 65 and older is expected to grow from 1.5 million in 2019 to 1.9 million by 2030, according to the department. By the end of this decade, 1 in 5 New Jerseyans will be 65 or older.
McGuire added, “The housing section has a whole host of recommendations that are focused on helping make communities more affordable for our older adults as they age and to also make sure that their homes and their communities are more accessible.”
The department also announced $5.5 million in available grant funding to implement some of the suggestions.
The NJ Age-Friendly Blueprint is available online, or it can be read below: