A report to the Jewish Federation of Northern NJ

The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ) asked the Ralph W. Voorhees Center to conduct a study to better understand the aging population (aged 55 and up) in northern New Jersey: where they live, existing services and service gaps, cultural and religious needs, and to consider challenges facing aging adults into the future. To do this the research team gathered, analyzed and mapped Census and administrative data, created new datasets by searching the Internet, gathering information from service directories, and calling public and private service providers. The team also conducted about thirty, 30-45 minute interviews with public and private service providers who work with aging adults and many other shorter interviews with local government administrators and other staff to gather basic program information. Longer interviewees included staff at most of the Jewish- affiliated service agencies in northern New Jersey, other non-profit organizations, and local and state governmental agencies (See the Appendix for a detailed discussion of methodology).