Hillsborough Expands Senior Services, Local Programs

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township is expanding its support for older adults by bringing senior programming, social services, transit, and recreation into a single coordinated system.

"Hillsborough Township is expanding its support for local older adults, building on its established network of independent living and health programs for residents age 60 and over," said Hillsborough Mayor Catherine Payne at the June 9 Township Committee meeting.

"With a senior population of 10,048, the Township is updating its current services to focus directly on healthy aging, everyday mobility, and community connection," said Payne.

Hillsborough is the first municipality in Somerset County to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, according to Payne.

As part of that initiative, age-friendly principles are being built into the township's master plan update, with priorities including walkable streets, practical housing options and accessible community services so residents can age in place.

Current offerings include dedicated bus transit for residents age 60 and over, with rides to grocery stores, medical appointments, banks, post offices, senior clubs and monthly mall trips, according to the township.

The township also reported that more than 290 seniors participate in its YMCA exercise program.

Other programs include Chair Yoga, Bingo, arts and crafts, financial literacy workshops, tax-assistance events, Nutrition & Healthy Habits classes, aging-in-place resources and property tax relief filing support.

The Senior Activities Room remains a daily hub for Mahjong, knitting and needlework circles, book clubs, board games and bingo, according to the township.

The township said program volume grew from 43 programs in 2024 to 50 in 2025, with 47 already scheduled so far for 2026.

Moving forward, the township said it is shifting those individual offerings into a coordinated Senior Active Living model without creating a new department, adding staff or increasing local taxes.

"By leaning on community volunteers, school groups, and local business sponsorships, the Township is introducing this expanded slate of activities, tech workshops, and wellness classes with a $0 increase to the municipal tax burden," said Payne.

Lead Social Services Liaison and Committeeman Robert Britting Jr. submitted a 12-page proposal to the Township Committee aimed at maximizing services without increasing taxes.

The township says this approach brings senior transportation, Social Services, township parks, and recreation facilities under a unified schedule.

It will also maximize the newly funded Merdinger Park recreation center, once completed, and expand partnerships with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and civic volunteers.

Additionally, seniors can participate in the annual Senior Curbside Pickup Program, providing residents age 65 and older with a practical, hands-on service to help them maintain their properties independently.

"Backed by its AARP Age-Friendly Network status and a clear strategy for its existing assets, Hillsborough Township is ensuring that local older adults have the tools, transit, and social ties they need to stay active and supported right at home," said Britting, Jr.

Payne also said some seniors may qualify for state and federal relief programs for home and utility costs, including federal USDA housing grants for income-qualified homeowners age 62 and older.

"Hillsborough seniors may be missing out on valuable state and federal relief programs designed to help manage home and utility costs," said Payne at the meeting. "Income-qualified homeowners aged 62 and older can access up to $10,000 in federal USDA housing grants to fix safety hazards, including total roof replacements."

She said a representative from Congressman Tom Kean's office will be at the municipal building to also explain available programs.

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