An OpEd written by Julia Stoumbos, director of aging-in-place programs for The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation and co-facilitator of North Jersey alliance of Age-Friendly Communities, was published Feb. 15 on nj.com.
Here’s an excerpt: Too many New Jerseyans of all ages pay too large a share of their income on housing, cost-burdened by car ownership in communities lacking sidewalks or public transportation, unaware of how these limitations could later limit their lifestyles – or even erode their health and sense of well-being. Affordability is only one of the barriers that older New Jerseyans with low – and middle incomes – and younger ones too – face to being “secure” in the places they live. The bulk of New Jersey homes and communities weren’t designed for the days when older adults might be struggling with illness or infirmity. Nor do they reflect the changing needs and desires of younger generations, many of whom – like people on fixed incomes – are priced out of the rental and home-buying markets and who don’t want the hassle or expense of a car. Click Here to Read More