TEANECK, N.J. (PIX11) -- At one time, she was the Mayor of Teaneck, but as Jacqueline Kates and her husband eventually wanted to downsize, they discovered the town didn't have much to offer them
"I thought I would be in Teaneck forever," said Kates. "We moved 10 years ago and it really broke my heart. I had lived in Teaneck for 57 years."
Between more senior housing and longer timing at crosswalks, the town has become more age-friendly. Some on the state level took notice.
On Thursday, the Department of Human Services released what they call the Age-Friendly Blueprint, a starting point, they call it, to get people, towns, and businesses thinking about ways they can make life better for older New Jerseyans.
"It is not a problem to solve, but a chance to re-think how we want to live, work, and engage in our communities throughout a lifespan," said Commissioner Sarah Adelman.
Outside of the bigger issues, like making housing more affordable, some of the blueprint's recommendations include improving mental health, helping fitness centers provide more programming for seniors, and involving seniors more in the arts.
But seniors who spoke to PIX11 News rank transportation high on the list.
"In many suburbs, if you can't drive, you're really isolated," said Teaneck resident Janice Dabney.
Teaneck resident Sarah Diaz lives at the Brookdale senior housing complex. She says she has had to rely on family to get her to her doctor's appointments.
"My daughter had to ask my grandson to drive me over there and then wait and drive me back," said Diaz.
To help other towns improve on transportation, the Blueprint points to an example of already successful program in Mercer County: a membership-based senior ridesharing service.
The State says it's launching a $5.5 million grant program later this year dedicated to helping communities advance age-friendly practices, prioritizing those in the Blueprint.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly a quarter of New Jersey's population is estimated to be 60 or older by the end of the decade.
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