Return to flip book view

Print ready pdf 1 2 28 2023 9 37 36 PM A GROWING SECTOR IN A GROWING REGION THE CHANGING FACE OF THE LOCAL SENIOR POPULATION BRINGS NEW NEEDS Over the past 2 decades Lakewood Township s population grew by 124 as the town catapulted to the 4th largest city in New Jersey Lakewood s Senior Population has both grown and changed spreading beyond the self contained senior villages as seniors seek integration into the community in Lakewood and the surrounding towns of Jackson Toms River Howell Brick and Manchester LAKEWOOD STUDY SQUARE Young seniors 55 who raised their families in Lakewood are aging in place As this young retiree population ages into their late 70s and beyond their need for support and services will grow Natural growth of the local senior community is bolstered by a large influx of new senior residents moving in to be with their children and grandchildren The diversification of the senior population its spread into the community and the large influx of new seniors who don t yet have strong affiliation in the area all call for a new approach and additional services Connections is here to answer the call CONNECTIONS AT LAKEWOOD STUDY SQUARE JOIN US Building community For our seniors by our seniors 732 905 4455 Ext 304 Under the stewardship of experienced community Lakewoodstudysquare gmail com leaders and a dynamic advisory board of active 313 3rd St Lakewood NJ 08701 older adults Connections is dedicated to providing socialization health and nutrition education and a host of other services for Lakewood s growing senior community Connections is establishing Lakewood s first full service senior center a central hub in Downtown Lakewood where seniors can join together to build community and access needed services to help them preserve their vitality and enhance mental and physical health

Print ready pdf 2 2 28 2023 9 37 38 PM CONNECTIONS PHASE II THE SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTER AND SERVICE HUB The Senior Community Center will house and offer Educational classes and programs As we move into the Post COVID recovery era Congregate meals and other nutrition services there is a strong need for social reintegration among seniors who were from the most isolated Health and wellness education and health services groups during the pandemic The time has come Gym equipment and exercise classes to move Connections into its very own home a comprehensive senior community center located in the heart of downtown Lakewood The center will be a vibrant active hub offering a full complement of activities and services as well as a warm open welcoming space that will be a central draw and gathering space for seniors from throughout Lakewood and the surrounding areas Connections current services will continue at other locations during the renovation phase and CONNECTIONS PHASE I SOCIALIZATION EDUCATION CREATING COMMUNITY To date Connections has served more than 700 unduplicated seniors Over the past 18 months Connections has organized 13 large group lunch and learn events which include a buffet luncheon socialization opportunities and educational speakers and typically attract several hundred participants Connections produces a quarterly newsletter with health and practical education features and program updates to keep our senior members involved We are rolling out a volunteer matching program a win win that offers active seniors a productive use of their time post retirement which keeps them young and the opportunity to use their talents and experience to give back to the community then move into the new center upon the anticipated opening date in Fall 2023 Information referral and case management for government and other programs addressing basic needs such as healthcare financial guidance safety caregiving challenges and more Intergenerational programming including volunteer matching and mentoring programs Personal development programs and therapeutic creative modalities such as art classes and talent clubs A host of other services designed to help bolster seniors and keep them mentally emotionally and physically active Social adult day care for the aging and or more fragile population