Weathering the Storms: Creating Aging-Friendly Communities Amid Climate Change
Climate change is already disrupting where people can live, including in New Jersey. As a coastal state, New Jersey faces rising sea levels, stronger storms, and increased inland flooding, as seen with Superstorm Sandy (2012) and storms Isaias (2020) and Ida (2021).
Nearly 1.7 million residents—about one-fifth of the state’s population—live in areas that are flood-prone, either now or within the century. Older adults, age 65+, face heightened risks from extreme weather and greater challenges adapting. This report, Weathering the Storms: Creating Aging-Friendly Communities Amid Climate Change, examines the 285,000 residents aged 65+ in flood-prone areas, assesses the difficulties confronting them whether they choose to remain in place or relocate, and outlines actions for state and local governments to expand climate-resilient, aging-friendly communities.
Report’s key findings reveal challenges for older adults and relatively few climate safe, aging-friendly places to live
- Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, especially individuals that may have physical and/or cognitive limitations. Power outages and potential isolation during disasters are serious concerns for this population.
- Climate adaptation strategies focused on “adapting in place,” including raising buildings, can present both financial and accessibility challenges for older residents.
- Relatively few neighborhoods that are safe from flooding offer aging-friendly characteristics such as walkable streets, nearby amenities, and affordable housing alternatives to single-family homes.
- Existing aging-friendly, climate-safe, and affordable neighborhoods are primarily in older urban centers, while many safer areas are car-dependent suburbs ill-suited for aging residents.
What state and local leaders can do
Preparing for the coming effects of climate change will involve efforts by multiple levels of government and by others interested in promoting aging-friendly development. They should:
- Prevent new development in high-risk areas while implementing appropriate protective measures for existing communities
- Update land-use policies to ensure climate-safe areas can accommodate relocating older residents
- Modify zoning to increase affordable housing options in aging-friendly neighborhoods
- Retrofit car-oriented communities to be more aging-friendly through strategic redevelopment and transportation options
- Integrate climate change education and assistance into existing senior services programs
The state must act to protect its vulnerable 65+ population from climate threats while ensuring access to neighborhoods that support aging in place. By preparing now, areas with lower flood risk can welcome older residents seeking safer ground.
