Hillsborough Township Strengthens Senior Services, Expands Local Programs

Local departments team up to offer more transit, fitness, and community events for over 10,000 senior residents by working smarter with existing assets. 

HILLSBOROUGH, N.J. —”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,” announced Mayor Catherine Payne. “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.”

Hillsborough is the first municipality in Somerset County to enroll in the AARP Network of Age‑Friendly States and Communities. As part of this initiative, the Township is building age‑friendly principles directly into its master plan update, ensuring the town keeps pace with an aging population by prioritizing walkable streets, practical housing options, and accessible community services so residents can comfortably age in place.

The Township's current senior programs are already among the most comprehensive in the region. Hillsborough provides dedicated bus transit for residents age 60 and over, offering rides to grocery stores, medical appointments, banks, post offices, senior clubs, and monthly mall trips. Local fitness programs are also heavily attended; more than 290 seniors participate in the Township‑supported YMCA exercise program, while the weekly Rockettes Senior Line Dancing Class brings fitness to participants and performs at local nursing homes and senior centers.

The Township also hosts regular wellness classes, educational workshops, arts and crafts, and community events. Popular options include Chair Yoga, Bingo, crafting, and the eight‑part HealthEase series covering heart health, nutrition, medication safety, fall prevention, cognitive wellness, and women’s health. Additional practical services include financial literacy workshops, tax‑assistance events, aging‑in‑place resources, Nutrition & Healthy Habits classes, and property tax relief (PTR-1) filing support.

Much of this activity centers around the Senior Activities Room, which serves as a daily hub for Mahjong groups, knitting and needlework circles, book clubs, board games, and bingo. The space also features a computer room, shuffleboard, and a pool table. Program volume has grown steadily to meet demand, moving from 43 programs in 2024 to 50 in 2025, with 47 already scheduled so far for 2026.

Moving forward, Hillsborough is transitioning these individual offerings into a fully coordinated Senior Active Living model, all without creating a new department, adding headcount, or increasing local taxes. Lead Social Services Liaison, Committeeman Robert Britting, submitted a 12-page proposal to the members of the Township Committee with the overall intention of maximizing services without increasing taxes. 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,” added Committeeman Robert Britting, Jr. 

About Hillsborough Township

Hillsborough Township is a Somerset County community governed by a five-member Township Committee and committed to transparent government, responsive services, and a high quality of life for all residents.

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