May is Older Americans Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of older adults across the country. But at Lifelong Strong NJ, we’re using this month to do something more: to challenge the assumptions and stereotypes that too often surround aging.
Because aging isn’t about decline. It’s about growth.
We talk about the future at every stage of life—what we want to be when we grow up, where we’ll go to school, what kind of job we’ll have. But somewhere along the way, that future-focused conversation stops. Society sends the message that after a certain age, your path is fixed. Your choices are fewer. And your story is winding down.
That’s not just untrue—it’s damaging. And it’s rooted in ageism, a form of discrimination that shows up in how we talk about aging, how systems are built, and even how we treat ourselves as we get older.
At Lifelong Strong NJ, we reject the idea that age defines worth, capacity, or potential. We believe New Jersey can—and must—be a state where people of all ages are supported, seen, and empowered to live fully. That includes:
- Creating affordable and accessible housing
- Expanding transportation and healthcare access
- Making sure everyone, regardless of age, has the chance to stay socially connected and civically engaged
And we also believe this conversation has to be intersectional. Aging touches every one of us—but not equally. It intersects with our identities, our opportunities, and our lived experiences. That’s why we must approach aging with empathy, equity, and intention.
The experience of growing older is not one-size-fits-all, and our policies shouldn’t be either.
Reframing aging means asking bigger, better questions:
What brings you joy?
What are you still curious about?
What role can you play in your community?
What do you want to do next?
This May, and every month, let’s build a more inclusive, age-friendly New Jersey. One where getting older isn’t seen as the end of something—but the start of something new.
Because growing older should never mean growing invisible.