County Wants Senior Citizen Input At Manahawkin Hearing

MANAHAWKIN, N.J. — Ocean County wants to hear from senior citizens loud and clear. A public hearing on the needs of older adults in the county takes place at 10 a.m. May 9 at the Southern Ocean Medical Center (1140 Route 72 West, Manahawkin).

The event is open to seniors, caregivers and the general public To confirm your attendance, contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 (In State Only) or 1-877-222-3737.

“Retirees are attracted to the quality of life in Ocean County," Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said in a statement. Vicari serves as chairman of the Office of Senior Services. "However, our seniors need specific services and programs as they age. Gathering their input helps us better assist them.”

Senior services include promoting home- and community-based services that support independent living, involving older adults in community planning and events, and providing opportunities for seniors to work, volunteer, learn, lead and mentor.

Ocean County is home to more than 173,000 older adults, which represents one of the largest senior populations in the county, Vicari said.

The county's Officer of Senior Services offers opportunities including options counseling and care management, as well as community support such as education, recreation, physical and mental health screenings and physical fitness. Ocean County's senior nutrition program provides 1,100 meals a day to homebound seniors, Vicari said.

“We want our seniors to be able to live independently, to be happy and healthy,” Vicari said. “Our programs provide a range of services starting with the newly retired and active senior to the more frail and needy.”

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