THE OCEAN COUNTY Board of Commissioners, Ocean County Office of Senior Services and Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County will officially launch Age-Friendly Ocean County's inaugural Multisector Plan for Aging on June 23.
The plan is the first county-level Multisector Plan for Aging in New Jersey and provides a roadmap through 2030 for supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers and families through coordinated action across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
The launch event will bring together county and state leaders, health care organizations, community partners, advocates and residents to celebrate the completion of a years-long planning effort and the beginning of implementation.
"Ocean County is proud to lead New Jersey in developing a roadmap that responds to the needs and priorities of our residents," said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. "This plan reflects the voices of our communities and demonstrates what can be accomplished when organizations and residents work together toward a common goal."
Since joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2023, Age-Friendly Ocean County has engaged thousands of residents and stakeholders in identifying opportunities to strengthen supports for aging in place. The plan was informed by more than 8,000 survey responses, stakeholder feedback, interviews, focus groups, public forums and town hall meetings.
Nearly one-third of Ocean County residents are age 60 or older, making the county home to one of New Jersey's largest older adult populations. The plan aligns with New Jersey's Age-Friendly Blueprint and focuses on housing, health care, transportation, social connection, caregiving supports, and access to information and resources.
"This plan represents the collective voice of residents, caregivers, community organizations, health care providers and local government," said Maria La Face, Director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and project director of Age-Friendly Ocean County. "It provides a roadmap for action and strengthens our commitment to helping residents age with dignity, independence and purpose."
The initiative was developed through a partnership among Ocean County, Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County, Rutgers University, health care organizations, community-based organizations, municipalities and residents.
"As the first county-level Multisector Plan for Aging released in New Jersey, this initiative demonstrates what is possible when communities come together around a shared vision," said Dr. Kathleen Cullinen, family and community health sciences educator with Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Ocean County and principal investigator of Age-Friendly Ocean County.
The June 23 event will feature remarks from county and community leaders, recognition of key partners and the official public release of the plan. To attend the event virtually, visit:
go.rutgers.edu/agefriendlyoc2026.
