In the wake of the hurricane, the NC Center for Health and Wellness and Social Bridging NC have produced two resources to support older adults and others affected by this event across the region, including responders and others working on the relief efforts: A webpage of curated long-term resources and a mini-guide of best practices for providing trauma-informed support through wellness checks in person or by phone.

The National Council on Aging has launched a new toolkit for community-based organizations designed to provide a roadmap for promoting and expanding evidence-based programs for health promotion and chronic disease self-management in rural communities.

On May 30, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living, released its “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging” report, which “lays the groundwork for a coordinated effort…to create a national set of recommendations for advancing healthy aging and age-friendly communities that value and truly include older adults.”

Brad Allen, Executive Director of the NC Senior Games, reminds us of the importance of finding an exercise and balance program to stay strong and independent, such as swimming, walking, playing pickleball, doing tai chi and more! Find what works for you and watch some amazing Senior Games folks on the track, including a 99-year old winner!  Explore StandingStrongNC.org to find local exercise programs and other steps to prevent falls. #StandingStrongNC

The Standing Strong NC campaign raises awareness of the impact of falls in North Carolina and the simple steps that people can take to prevent falls and save lives! Watch our public service announcements and explore StandingStrongNC.org to find action steps that you can take! #StandingStrongNC

The Standing Strong NC campaign raises awareness of the impact of falls in North Carolina and the simple steps that people can take to prevent falls and save lives! Watch our public service announcements and explore StandingStrongNC.org to find action steps that you can take! #StandingStrongNC

North Carolina’s population is rapidly aging. By 2028, 1 in 5 residents will be over age 65, and by 2038 most North Carolina counties will have more residents aged 60+ than those under age 18. This signifies major changes in the health care needs of our state for which families, communities, medical providers, and policymakers must prepare.

A new report, A Place to Thrive: Creating Opportunities to Age Well in North Carolina, from the North Carolina Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Healthy Aging recommends 30 actionable strategies for improving social connections, falls prevention, food and nutrition security, and mobility to support healthy aging for all North Carolinians. 

Social determinants of health (such as access to housing, transportation, social support, food security, financial and economic stability, etc.) have a significant impact on health, function, and quality of life, and this is especially true as we grow older. Check out the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s new resource designed to help individuals and organizations improve SDOH and support older adults’ health and well-being.