Aging is reshaping healthcare, housing, and the workforce.
New Jersey Advocates for Aging Well will host its annual conference Friday, May 8, at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton, bringing together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging population.
The program will open with a keynote, “Changing the Lens on Aging — It Begins With Us,” by Theresa Edelstein, president of GAP Healthcare Consulting and a longtime leader in post-acute and long-term care policy. Edelstein previously served on the executive team at the New Jersey Hospital Association, where she led initiatives in healthcare partnerships, policy development, and emergency management.
The conference will feature a series of panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on major issues affecting older adults and the systems that support them. Topics will include long-term care coverage, workforce shortages, dementia care, and the role of employers in supporting an aging workforce.
Morning sessions will examine whether New Jersey is prepared for universal long-term care coverage, drawing lessons from Washington state’s WA Cares program, and will explore strategies for expanding the state’s direct care workforce. Additional sessions will focus on housing design solutions for aging populations and the availability of research and resources for dementia care across the state.
Afternoon sessions will address interdisciplinary education in geriatrics, new approaches to senior services that extend beyond traditional centers, and the evolution of New Jersey’s age-friendly initiatives. A panel on intergenerational housing will highlight models that integrate seniors into broader community settings while addressing housing needs.
Lunch speakers will discuss the national movement toward a multisector plan on aging, emphasizing the need for coordination across healthcare, housing, and social services to meet the needs of an older population.
Organizers say the program is designed to provide both policy insight and practical strategies for professionals working in healthcare, social services, and related fields, as demographic shifts continue to place new demands on systems and infrastructure.
The conference will also offer continuing education credits for social workers, with up to four credits available for an additional fee.
Registration and program details are available at njaaw.org
