Montclair Township offers a robust array of services and programs designed to support seniors in leading active, connected, and fulfilling lives. Here are the top five offerings:
1. Lifelong Montclair Programs
Lifelong Montclair is the township’s flagship initiative for seniors, providing a diverse range of activities:
- Health & Fitness: Chair yoga, Zumba Gold, core workouts, and balance classes.
- Arts & Culture: Book clubs, art history lectures, film discussions, and creative workshops.
- Language & Learning: Conversational Spanish and Italian classes, current events discussions, and lectures on global affairs.
- Social Clubs: Mahjong, Scrabble, chess, and craft clubs.
- Support Groups: Bereavement and caregiver support sessions.
- The MILL offers free, high-quality classes for adults aged 55 and older, focusing on:
- Arts & Humanities: Courses in art history, literature, and music appreciation.
- Health & Wellness: Sessions on mindfulness, nutrition, and physical fitness.
- Personal Development: Workshops on technology use, financial literacy, and more.
- Classes are conducted both in-person and virtually, in collaboration with local institutions like the Montclair Art Museum and Montclair State University.
- Note: these programs are held at venues like Edgemont Park House, Wally Choice Community Center, and the Montclair Public Library.
2. Senior Transportation Services
Montclair provides transportation for residents aged 60 and over, as well as individuals with disabilities. This service facilitates access to grocery stores, medical appointments, and community events. Registration is required prior to use.
3. Montclair Public Library Senior Services
The Montclair Public Library offers a suite of services tailored for seniors:
- Technology Assistance: One-on-one help with devices, internet use, and digital literacy.
- Assistive Technology: Access to tools like screen magnifiers and audio readers.
- Educational Programs: Lectures, book discussions, and cultural events.
- Health Insurance Counseling: Referrals to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Medicare-related inquiries.
4. Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place (mGAP)
mGAP is a community-based organization focusing on:
- Digital Inclusion: Offering classes to help seniors navigate technology.
- Advocacy: Working on housing solutions and policies that support aging in place.
- Community Engagement: Hosting events and forums to keep seniors connected and informed.
mGAP also collaborates with the township on initiatives like the development of a dedicated senior center.
5. Aging in Montclair (A.I.M)
A.I.M is a grassroots, nonprofit membership organization founded in 2015. It’s dedicated to being the voice and support network for Montclair residents aged 55+,currently serving over 600 members with free membership for all interested seniors:
- Facilitated small groups: like “Aging Together” (conversations on aging), caregiver support, widows/widowers groups, and the Men’s Treehouse – offering confidential, structured peer support.
- Monthly Saturday Socials: featuring talks, community-building, and social connection.
6. Do Drop Inn
The Do‑Drop Inn is a long-standing, drop‑in social program for senior citizens, hosted by the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation (MNDC) at the Wally Choice Community Center
- The organization provides a vital resource for local seniors, offering social engagement, reducing isolation, and forging community bonds. One attendee noted it “keeps us alert and … knowing people are thinking about us”
- The Wally Choice Center is a welcoming, free-form place to gather with local seniors that “do drop in” for conversation, games (like cards), meals, technology help, and companionship.
For more information or to get involved, seniors can contact the Montclair Department of Senior Services at (973) 509-4974 or visit the Lifelong Montclair website.
mGAP (Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place) is a nonprofit organization funded through grants from AARP, Partners for Health, and The Montclair Foundation.
A.I.M. (Aging in Montclair) is a nonprofit organization supported by member donations and grants from Partners for Health and The Montclair Foundation.
Do Drop Inn is a nonprofit initiative funded by member support and a grant from the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation.