September 22, 2026

(BORDENTOWN) – Human Services today launched the Garden State Centenarian Club to celebrate the lives and contributions of New Jerseyans who are 100 years and older, and to highlight the programs and services made available by the Department to help older residents stay healthy, live independently, and remain in the community.

The club was launched during an event at the Carslake Community Center in Bordentown, in partnership with Burlington County officials and seniors participating in the county’s congregate meal program. Edgewater Park resident Eddie Walker Hill, 105, became the club’s first official member and was presented with a certificate of recognition as part of the festivities.

Attendees also included Human Services Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire, Assembly Health Committee Chair Carol Murphy, Assembly Aging & Human Services Chair Shanique Speight, Assemblyman Balvir Singh, Bordentown Mayor Stephanie Lagos, Burlington County Department of Human Services Director Shirla Simpson, Burlington County Office on Aging Director Bryan Barnes and Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo.

“We are excited to launch this initiative to celebrate those New Jerseyans who have reached this remarkable milestone. It gives families and friends an opportunity to celebrate their loved ones and is also a great opportunity to highlight the programs and services available through our Division of Aging Services that promote health and independence,” said Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha.

New Jersey has about 1.7 million residents ages 65 years and older, representing roughly 18 percent of the state’s population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Centenarians: 2020 report, New Jersey had 2,646 residents aged 100 and older in 2020.

“We are honored to recognize the lives and contributions of some of our oldest residents, and promote healthy aging and longevity. As New Jersey’s older population continues to grow, we are focused on promoting healthy aging and advancing age-friendly efforts that help older New Jerseyans have the resources they need to remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire.

“Burlington County is proud to be home to a vibrant community of older residents, including several centenarians. Each of these residents have lived remarkable lives, and we are proud to be involved in the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ recognition of them and their many contributions to our state and nation,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo. “We look forward to the Centenarian Club creating connections with more aging residents and their family members to ensure they know about state and county resources that might benefit them.”

Anyone 100 years or older can join the Garden State Centenarian Club. Nominations can be submitted online using this form or by calling 1-877-222-3737. Individuals who call to submit their nominations will be connected with someone who can assist with enrollment. Individuals will be asked to share basic information and stories about their lives.

Centenarians will receive a certificate of recognition, and their stories will be shared on the Department’s website and social media channels.

“A century is certainly worth celebrating, and I encourage anyone who knows someone who has reached their 100^th birthday to submit a nomination. Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement, and recognizing those who have done so can help highlight the experiences of older New Jerseyans,” said Division of Aging Services Assistant Commissioner Louise Rush.

For more information about the club, visit here.

The Department is committed to strengthening communities and services that help older adults maintain their quality of life, participate fully in their communities, and age with dignity. Last year, Human Services awarded a total of $3 million in age-friendly grants to local government and nonprofit organizations to assess, plan, and develop local age-friendly initiatives and implement recommendations from the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint that support the health and well-being of older adults. Published in May 2024, the blueprint focuses on:

·         Positioning New Jersey as an innovator in aging;

·         Expanding the number of age-friendly municipalities and counties;

·         Viewing aging as an asset;

·         Embedding aging in all policies;

·         Reimagining and integrating the continuum of long-term care services;

·         Helping residents have the resources to live a meaningful life in the community they choose; and

·         Giving people of all ages access to health and social supports, including to reduce disparities.