Aging is far from universal. We have to change the way we talk about it in NJ

We need to change the way we view aging and address the implicit bias that many older Americans face. As we live longer, certainly longer than prior generations, we need to reframe aging in this country and in our communities.

The aging process is highly individual. One person who is 75 is not the same as another 75-year-old. Some older adults face challenges related to their aging, illness, disabilities, and more. Still others are in good health, maintain employment, seek engaging activities and vigorous social interaction.

Too often, older adults face discrimination because of stereotypes. Phrases like “senior citizen” conjure up images of weak, frail, inactive adults who require constant support. While some older adults do need medical and social support, there are many others who could continue to thrive in their own homes, in their communities with the right resources.

I was honored to be asked to serve on Bergen County’s Age-Friendly Task Force, the first of its kind in the state and I thank Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco for seeing the need to create it. Our goal is to make sure all 70 municipalities can provide the resources necessary for older adults to age in place in the communities they love.

Older adults now make up 20% of the total population of Bergen County. That number is even higher in our Korean community, which is why the Medical Center decided more than 15 years ago to develop specialized and easily accessible, culturally competent programs.

I recently spoke at a press conference for the release of the “Toward Better Aging — A National Study of Korean American Older Adults” a report put forward by the Asian American Federation which emphasized the challenges faced in accessing vital services. We need to not only broaden the variety of services available to older adults, but we must also remember that we need to tailor these services for racial, ethnic, and religious populations to provide optimal care.

As a longtime leading resource for elder services, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center has expanded our spectrum of services to further support older adults no matter what they may need. Whether it’s assisted living, long-term care, rehabilitation care, mental health, specialized care, or respite care, we continue to respond to the needs of our communities so our neighbors can age with grace and dignity near their loved ones.

The number of older adults is increasing so it’s important to shift our focus from reactive treatment of injuries and illness to preventative care that will help many maintain optimal health and wellness. Not only does preventative care significantly improve quality of life but it can greatly reduce healthcare costs.

I am proud that we have partnered with WelbeHealth and the County of Bergen to create the first Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for Bergen County residents.

This new center, which is scheduled to open in 2026, will be located on the Medical Center’s Campus and will provide medical and social services to help elderly people live in their communities. Innovations like PACE Centers will provide the support and resources necessary for older adults to age in place.

Listening to our older patients and involving them in decision-making about their care ensures that we meet their preferences and needs effectively. This is why we are focused on an integrated care model that coordinates medical, social, and community services which provide comprehensive care to older adults for a more holistic approach. Healthcare providers must adapt to this demographic shift by expanding and renovating facilities, investing in home care services, and ensuring access to care in underserved areas like our new PACE Center.

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Partnerships are essential to creating environments that allow older adults to age in place in a fulfilling, supportive manner. We are involved with Age-Friendly North Jersey as well as the statewide effort to make New Jersey a place that older adults want to remain. We have had a key role in the New Jersey Hospital Association’s LEAD Initiative which has brought together incredible organizations who are actively seeking ways to provide comprehensive services, training, education, and a new definition of aging in support for older adults.

As the largest hospital in the state and the fourth largest public hospital in the country, we have both an obligation and an opportunity to be a thought leader in the age-friendly movement and in reframing aging in general. The aging population presents both challenges and opportunities, carrying with them a wealth of experience and wisdom. Embracing the journey of aging enriches our collective approach to innovation, and continually adapting to the community’s needs will enable us to meet these challenges head-on while improving health outcomes for older adults.

Deborah Visconi is president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center.