Celebrating a century of life and community contribution, the New Jersey Department of Human Services officially launched the Garden State Centenarian Club during a special event at the Carslake Community Center in Bordentown.
The new initiative aims to honor New Jerseyans who have reached their 100th birthday while raising awareness about state programs and county resources designed to help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected to their communities.
Surrounded by state and local officials—including Human Services Assistant Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire, Assembly Health Committee Chair Carol Murphy, Assembly Aging & Human Services Chair Shanique Speight, and Bordentown Mayor Stephanie Lagos—Edgewater Park resident Eddie Walker Hill, 105, was inducted as the club’s very first official member, receiving a certificate of recognition.
“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,” McGuire said.
“We are excited to launch this initiative to celebrate those New Jerseyans who have reached this remarkable milestone,” Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha, said. “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.”
New Jersey is home to approximately 1.7 million residents aged 65 and older, representing about 18 percent of the state’s population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the state boasted 2,646 residents aged 100 and older in 2020.
The launch underscores the state’s broader commitment to healthy aging. Last year, the Department of Human Services awarded $3 million in age-friendly grants to local governments and nonprofits. These funds support the implementation of the New Jersey Age-Friendly Blueprint, which focuses on expanding age-friendly municipalities, viewing aging as an asset, and integrating long-term care services so residents can thrive in the communities of their choice.
Membership in the Garden State Centenarian Club is open to any New Jersey resident aged 100 or older.
- Nominations: Friends, family members, or caregivers can submit nominations by completing an online form or by calling 1-877-222-3737, where staff are available to assist with enrollment and gather personal life stories.
- Recognition: Inductees receive an official certificate of recognition, and their stories are featured across the Department’s website and social media channels.
For more information about the club or available aging services, residents can visit the official New Jersey Department of Human Services portal.
