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NJAAW News and Resources
October 4, 2023
Change in Newsletter Schedule

Recognizing the amount of emails we all get in our mailboxes, NJAAW is going to move to a once-a-month newsletter, with eblasts for events and other time sensitive information as needed.
Our new schedule for the News & Resources will be the first Wednesday of each month.
From NJAAW Executive Director, Cathy Rowe:

October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day, an opportunity to draw attention to ageism in our society and how we can reframe aging in our communities.

As he just celebrated his 99th birthday, I believe that Former president Jimmy Carter continues to reframe our ideas on aging. As he said in his book, The Virtues of Aging, “As we've grown older, the results have been surprisingly good."

He and his wife Rosyln have consistently taken on important issues with grace and dignity, and have done their most impactful work over the age of 60.
This quote from Carter sums it up best:

"I think that, regardless of our culture, age, or even personal handicaps, we can still strive for something exceptional. Why not expand our sites instead of restricting our lives and expecting the lowest common denominator of a dormant existence? Faith... will permit us to take a chance on a new path, perhaps different from the one we now follow. It may be surprising where it leads."

To learn more about ASA's strategies to fight ageism, go to
Senior Property Tax Programs
Deadlines for NJ's property tax programs that benefit seniors are coming soon. Property taxes are one of the most challenging issues for older adults in NJ, as fixed incomes do not keep pace with property tax increases. Here is the basic run down of programs offering senior tax relief:

The Senior Freeze (PTR)
This program establishes a base year at which a resident is eligible and "freezes" their taxes, reimbursing the homeowner for tax increases since that base was established. Deadline is October 31, 2023.
Eligibility basics:
  1. Age - 65+
  2. Owns their primary home or mobile home in NJ
  3. Income - 2021 – $94,178 or less; 2022 – $99,735 or less; 2023 income will be $150,000
Note - if a senior was previously eligible but did not apply, a previous base year can be established which will increase their future rebates.

ANCHOR Property Tax Program
The State has mailed information on ANCHOR to all NJ residents! For people who received an ANHOR payment last year, and whose information has not changed, benefits for the 2020 tax year will automatically be distributed by November 1st, 2023. New applicants need to file online by December 29th, 2023.
Eligibility Basics:
Homeowners
  1. owned and occupied a home in NJ that was their principal residence on October 1, 2019; 
  2. 2019 property taxes were paid on that home; and
  3. 2019 New Jersey gross income was $250,000 or less
Renters
  1. You were a New Jersey resident; and
  2. Your 2019 New Jersey gross income was not more than $150,000

Homestead
The Homestead Benefit has been replaced by ANCHOR for the 2019 tax year.

For information and documents related to this important property tax rebate program visit:
Aging Insights
New Episode: Listen Up, NJ!
An Honest Talk About Hearing Loss


Ignoring hearing loss does not make it go away. Join retired social worker Pearl Feder and author Arlene Romoff to learn from their professional and personal experiences on how you can stay connected and engaged with technology, skills and support.

This and all Aging Insights episodes are available for viewing, sharing and forwarding through our website njaaw.org/aging-insights/
Events
NJAAW & ATAC Virtual Tech Series

Universal Design + Accessible Communities

October 11, noon

To register, click here:
For a printable flyer click here:
All around me, I see bad design...
Most houses and other buildings were not built with changing needs in mind. All members of a household may experience changes as a result of aging, illness, a disability, or a combination of all three. See what can be accomplished in order for everyone to have access to the best experiences possible while residing in their homes and communities.

Art of Caregiving Series: A course About Caring for Aging Loved Ones
Caregiving requires learning how to navigate the eldercare maze, as well as how to balance your own needs with those of your loved one. Join this FREE live virtual 5-part series that addresses key areas you need to know about and get some guidance on how to best care for your aging loved one.
Thursdays 7:00-8:30PM
  • October 5th – Navigating the Eldercare Maze
  • October 12th  – Legal and Financial Concerns
  • October 19th – Self Care and Caregiver Support 
  • October 26th – Normal Aging / Basics of Hands on Care
  • November 2nd – Navigating the End-of-Life Journey
For questions please contact Rebecca Abenante, LSW at 973-971-5839 or HealthyAging@atlantichealth.org
To print and share flyer, click here: Art of Caregiving
SNAP Outreach and Application Training for Senior Services Providers
While SNAP benefits were expanded at the end of the COVID Public Health Emergency, many seniors are not taking advantage of this crucial benefit. At $90 per month, SNAP can make a big difference in older adults' financial security and well-being.

Join Hunger Free New Jersey, New Jersey Advocates on Aging Well, and Legal Services of New Jersey as we discuss how to best reach seniors, address myths and misconceptions, and best practices to helping seniors apply for SNAP benefits.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT

Register here: SNAP training
Resources
Mature Drivers NJ
The Mature Drivers Resource Center at Rutgers'
Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center have launched a new website for NJ's older drivers. With information on driving safer, transportation options, and education materials, this website covers a wide range of topics that mature drivers and their families need to know to ensure not only safe driving, but independence and mobility.

Please view and share the website:
SMP Provides Information for Medicare Open Enrollment
As we approach Medicare Open Enrollment Season (October 15 - December 7) it is imperative that eligible residents get accurate and up to date information that can help guide their choices.

The Senior Medicare Patrol of New Jersey (SMP), a federally funded program of the U.S. Administration for Aging, believes that if you know your options you can make the right choices — giving you the best coverage at the least cost.

Please review and share SMP's newsletter on making changes and choices for Medicare coverage: SMP
Professional Development
Ethical & Effective Discharge Planning for Social Workers, Case Managers and Nurses
The Central New Jersey Chapter of the Case Management Society of America presents
"Ethical & Effective Discharge Planning for Social Workers, Case Managers and Nurses"
Wednesday October 11, 2023
5:30pm - 8pm
South Mountain Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
2385 Springfield Avenue, Vauxhall, NJ 07088
For more information and to register, click here
Support NJAAW
Is our information useful to you? Then please consider a financial contribution today. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well relies on foundation grants and other donations to fund our work. We welcome your support, your suggestions and your input for advocating for NJ's oldest residents as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and strategize for the next 25 years..