Monmouth Seniors Create Aging in Place Video Series

Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services and SCAN (Senior Citizens Activity Network) recently launched the “Successful Aging in Place” video series, aimed at helping Monmouth County seniors make informed decisions about aging successfully in their own home.

“An AARP study showed nearly 90% of adults age 65 and older want to age in place; however, the ability of older adults to live independently in their own homes for as long as safely possible is dependent on access to in-home services, transportation, accessible modifications and social support,” explained Michele O’Shaughnessy, Director of Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services. “Education is paramount for this population in order for them to remain as independent as possible in the comfort of their own homes.”

When completed, the video series will featuresix modules with numerous videos that can be watched any time. Modules 1 & 2 are available on SCAN’s YouTube channel and at the Division’s website, and cover topics like Health & Well-Being & Accessibility. Modules 3-6 are coming soon and will include Financial and Legal Issues, Home Maintenance, Socialization and Caregiver Information. Each recorded video session offers valuable insights on eligibility requirements, funding sources, government programs and available community resources to aging residents of Monmouth County.

In a unique twist, the video recordings were not recorded and produced by audio/visual professionals, but rather by seniors of Monmouth County who attended production courses at SCAN, which has offered programs and workshops for seniors to combat social isolation since its creation in 1988. SCAN made its 4,000 square feet of space, including its podcast and television production studios, available for the series. IN producing the series, the seniors involved learned every aspect of TV production – lighting, camerawork, audio, teleprompter, hosting duties and more. The project was produced in collaboration with the Monmouth ACTS Successful Aging Hub Education focus group and Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services.

“We had these resources right at our fingertips, so it made perfect sense to utilize our studios for this project,” said Michael Ciavolino, Executive Director, SCAN. “On behalf of everyone here at SCAN, we are grateful to be part of this important project.”

Monmouth County seniors like Pam Tortorello loved the chance to work on a project that was intended for her and her fellow SCAN class members. “We’re like a big family, our class. It’s so important, being involved with other people, to avoid the downfalls of isolation,” she says. “And working on this project together, getting to hear from and meet the doctors, the caregivers and more who were part of it was so meaningful.”

“The Successful Aging in Place Series gives Monmouth County residents access to vital information and guidance when they need it,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This partnership between Monmouth County and SCAN prioritizes helping our aging residents when and where they need it most, and I’m delighted to see the fruits of a project that was created by the population it’s intended to serve!”

“There are so many services in Monmouth County to help our seniors age in their homes, and so I encourage seniors, caregivers and family members to check out this series,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Department of Health & Human Services. “I’m thrilled to see Monmouth County and SCAN working together to provide this to our residents – this is the true spirit of the Monmouth ACTS initiative, working together to make life better.”

Aging in Monmouth County

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Monmouth County’s Division on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans Services completed needs assessment surveys with seniors throughout the County and received over 600 responses providing insight into the greatest challenges for older adults aging in place, financial challenges and transportation concerns. Key takeaways included:

• Greatest challenges for those aging in place:
  • Chores and housekeeping
  • Grocery shopping
  • Meal preparation
  • In-home assistance with personal care
• Financial challenges:
  • Ability to manage finances independently
  • Financial means to stay in home
  • Cost of home repairs
• Transportation concerns:
  • Loss of independence when driving is no longer an option
  • Available transportation to meet their needs

As of 2024, residents over the age of 60 throughout Monmouth County make up approximately 21 percent (171,000) of the total population of 650,000 residents. According to O’Shaughnessy, by 2034 adults aged 65 and older will outnumber individuals under 18 for the first time in history.

“Knowing what to expect as we age and knowing what resources are available helps us plan for our future and live the life we choose,” said O’Shaughnessy. “This series equips our senior residents with a plan for a bright and fulfilling future.”

For more information on aging services, please call the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veteran Services at 732-431-7450 or visit: https://monmouthadvs.com/.

To view the full Successful Aging in Place video series, visit: https://monmouthadvs.com/successful-aging-in-place-series/.

About Monmouth ACTS
Monmouth ACTS (Assisting Community Through Services) was created by the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners in 2018 to carry out recommendations of a Human Services Needs Assessment. This innovative public-private partnership brings together County divisions from the Department of Human Services and community partners on the Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council (MAAC) to enhance access to services for County residents. For more information, visit www.monmouthACTS.org.

About SCAN
Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN) serves the 55+ community in Monmouth and Ocean counties enriching their lives with programming to promote healthy lifestyles, continuing education, and access to community and economic resources to keep them active, healthy and connected. Since 1988, SCAN has been New Jersey's premier non-profit provider of social education, and health and wellness programs for adults. The organization provides the community with programming to promote healthy lifestyles, continuing education, and access to community and economic resources to keep seniors active, healthy, and connected. For more information on SCAN or to join or donate, visit them online at https://www.scannj.org.