New Jersey's older adults are being left behind. What can we do to change that? | Opinion

Collectively, we have made tremendous progress in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and its widespread effects. However, as we enter the fourth year of pandemic management, many older adults are being left behind and remain at risk.

The pandemic exposed and intensified health inequities across many populations. In relation to older adults, millions were pushed further into poverty and social isolation resulting in increased rates of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. At the same time, many were unable to access available health, mental health, social service and financial resources due to barriers in language, technology and awareness of programs. Exacerbating all of these inequities is a lack of safe, stable, affordable and healthy housing options for older adults.

The official poverty rate among Passaic County residents 65 and older is over 15% and the statewide figure is even higher at 16.9%. The reality, however, is that many older adults are living near poverty and in a constant state of economic uncertainty. Pandemic related economic issues, compounded by inflation, and fixed income make securing safe, stable, and healthy housing especially difficult for low-income older adults. These neighbors of ours are many times forced to choose between paying for necessities such as medication or paying for housing.

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Older adults are also facing a lack of accessible housing options. The pandemic has amplified physical and cognitive challenges that make it difficult to live independently. These include exacerbation of chronic conditions, mobility issues and neurological conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's disease. Housing that is not accessible or equipped with necessary modifications, such as grab bars and ramps, poses significant health and safety risks for these individuals.

So what can we do?

To address these challenges, we must take immediate collective action at government, community and individual levels. Specifically, government can:

Increase access to accessible housing for older adults

Many individuals do not have access to safe and accessible housing options in their rental units or existing homes. Landlords and homeowners would benefit from financial support or incentives to modify existing housing for improved accessibility. In the case with new construction, we need to consider incentives for developers to build homes that are accessible and equipped with modifications to safely age in place.

Strengthen support services for older adults

We should increase funding for programs and services that enable seniors to age in place and remain independent. Programs such as home care, meal delivery, transportation, and direct care coordination services, go a long way in assisting older adults to remain living healthy and independent lives.

Increase funding for affordable housing

There simply are not enough homes that older adults can afford. In addition to helping individuals stay in their existing homes, we need to provide more affordable, safe and healthy housing options. Local governments can help by offering subsidies, tax credits, and other incentives that encourage landlords to provide (and developers to build) more safe and affordable housing options.

Finding solutions is not only the government’s responsibility — we all must pitch in. At a roundtable discussion HCPC hosted in January, one of the panelists put out a call to action for all in attendance: Ask yourself, what can I do to help?

How can you help?

Private citizens can lend a hand by advocating for policies and local initiatives that promote affordable and accessible housing for older adults. Here's how:

• You can start by contacting your local elected officials.

• You can volunteer with organizations that provide direct services and support for older adults, such as meals on wheels, AARP or a faith-based organization in your community.

• Finally, you can take action by offering to run errands for an older neighbor or help them with basic home repairs and modifications.

The pandemic has taken a major toll on all of us, but the older generation who helped shape our world has been hit the hardest. As time passes, millions of Americans will age into a reality of poverty, depression, anxiety and physical and cognitive challenges. We owe it to our parents, grandparents, friends, family, neighbors and mentors to work together and find solutions before it's too late. Let's not make them invisible.

Kimberly Birdsall, MPH, is executive director of the Health Coalition of Passaic County, one of four New Jersey Regional Health Hubs.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ aging: How do we ensure seniors aren't left behind