New Jersey’s leaders are trying to remedy rising rates of social isolation by investing nearly $4 million in programs that promote connections and community ties among residents most at-risk for this growing health scourge.
The money was awarded to 18 nonprofit organizations and municipalities for outreach, companionship, wellness and socializations programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and those living in institutional settings.
“We recognize the profound effects isolation can have on an individual’s physical and mental well-being,” said Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha in a June 18 press release. “These initiatives will create opportunities for social inclusion and engagement in communities across the State, helping older residents and those with disabilities stay connected, reduce isolation, and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.”
The Senior Wellness Pilot Program Grant initiative comes about three years after New Jersey conducted a comprehensive study of social isolation, which found that an estimated 44 percent of New Jersey’s older adult population is socially isolated.
These social wellness grants also come a little more than a year after the state awarded grants to municipalities, counties and organizations for age-friendly projects and community planning initiatives throughout the state.
Leaders of Age-Friendly NJ hailed this latest infusion of state funds into efforts promoting older adults’ wellbeing and inclusion in community life.
“We know from more than a decade’s work in advocating for age-friendly policies and practices that local leaders need the state’s leadership in tackling systemic problems like social isolation if we hope to create cities and towns where everyone can thrive throughout the lifespan,” said Dr. Cathy Rowe, executive director of New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well (NJAAW), which coordinates the Age-Friendly NJ alliance.
Beyond targeted efforts to promote social inclusion and age-friendly communities, New Jersey also needs to take a broader-lensed and comprehensive planning approach to population aging. AFNJ, NJAAW and a host of other aging advocates known as Lifelong Strong NJ are urging passage of legislation introduced in May that calls for the appointment of a statewide task force to draft and implement a Multi-Sector Plan for Aging.
The new grant program is a pilot, and data will be collected on each project that could help inform future opportunities to support isolated populations, officials said.
Several of the newly funded socialization programs have inviting-sounding names like “Celebrating Seniors Initiative” and “Senior Community Companions Program” and “More Than Meals.”
Many also target vulnerable or underserved segments of the older adult population, such as immigrants or people with limited English skills, or those who are homebound, grieving a loss, experiencing economic hardship or suffering from complex physical or mental health challenges.
Several of the grant awardees are in towns or counties with active age-friendly community initiatives, including the Borough of Leonia, which plans to use the funds for no-cost exercise classes, art classes and cultural trips as well to promote Operation Blue Angel, a partnership with the Leonia Police Department.
Three nonprofits in Bergen County – Korean Community Services of Metropolitan NY, Inc., Bergen Family Center, and Children’s Aid and Family Services, Inc. – were among the awardees, as were three organizations in Ocean County – Mental Health Association in New Jersey, Inc., Lakewood Community Services Corp., and Community Services, Inc. of Ocean County. Both counties have active age-friendly initiatives.
“Promoting social participation and community engagement are among the core domains of age-friendly community work,” said Julia Stoumbos, director of the Healthy Aging Program of The Henry & Marilyn Taub Foundation. “The new programs and initiatives funded by these grants will undoubtedly present new opportunities for innovation and collaboration among community leaders and professionals working on behalf of the health and interests of older residents.”
“Addressing social Isolation was one of six primary goals identified in the state’s Age-Friendly Blueprint, and data from these projects can provide a framework for the work ahead,” Stoumbos added.
To see the full list of grant projects, click here.