Hillsborough Township becomes the first community in Somerset County to join the AARP Age-Friendly Network, an outcome of master plan discussions.
“We look forward to improving our community for people of all ages,” Deputy Mayor John Ciccarelli said.
The deputy mayor presented Donato Nieman, state president of AARP New Jersey, with a proclamation on Aug. 13.
“In the year 2030, there will be more people over the age of 65 than under the age of 18,” said Nieman, citing the importance of the designation.
Ciccarelli read the proclamation.
“Hillsborough Township is committed to actively work with residents of local advocates to make our town age-friendly creating multiple programs towards the well-being of our senior residents,” he read. “AARP helps participate in communities to become more livable, age-friendly by creating safer and more walkable streets; needed housing and transportation options; [and] better access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities.
“AARP has welcomed Hillsborough Township, the first town in Somerset County to be enrolled in AARP’s network of Age Friendly states and communities.
“Enrollment in network will provide Hillsborough with the resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices,” Ciccarelli said.
Nieman, who is the former administrator in neighboring Montgomery Township, said creating age-friendly communities is an issue that needs to be addressed now so they can live in communities “where we grew up.”
