Steve Hahn

AARP North Carolina released the third and final part of the Gubernatorial Voters Guide with Governor Pat McCrory and Attorney General Roy Cooper. The two present their proposals to make communities across the state “age-friendly.”

RALEIGH -- A new AARP survey of North Carolina registered voters ages 45 plus, finds an information gap when it comes to voters’ knowledge of the gubernatorial candidates’ policy proposals and the voting issues that age cohort care most about. The same survey found that the vast majority of older voters, 97 percent, plan to participate in Election 2016, and will be a deciding factor in both the federal and state races.

Charlotte, NC – With nearly a quarter of the state’s residents expected to be age 60 or older by the year 2030, Mecklenburg County took an important step to become a better place for people of all ages. On Sept. 20, 2016, County leaders announced that the County has applied for the World Health Organization’s status of “age-friendly” by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.

For the state's most active voters, those ages 45 plus, helping older or disabled loved ones stay at home as long as possible is one of their top voting issues. State funding helps pay for the programs and services that help people age in place as well as support their family caregivers.

RALEIGH -- To help the state’s most active voters make informed decisions on Election Day, AARP North Carolina made available the first of a three-part video voters’ guide with Governor Pat McCrory and Attorney General Roy Cooper.

For most of us these days, staying “mentally sharp” as we age is a high priority. As past co-chair of the NC Institute of Medicine’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia, I heard from a lot of the state’s experts. And with all we’ve been hearing and reading about Alzheimer’s in recent years, it’s perfectly understandable that virtually any sign of memory loss can trigger real fears about a possible onset of that dead disease. Some may even unwisely decline to discuss it with their doctor out of fear of “hearing the worst.”

RALEIGH, NC -- North Carolina’s fastest growing demographic group is the 65+ cohort, and two counties in North Carolina are at the vanguard of working to stay ahead of the demographic change. Both Wake and Orange Counties are planning for the future by taking the steps needed to make the counties great places for residents of all ages.

As the largest representative of older voters in the state, it can be tempting to imply that AARP supports a particular party or candidate. AARP has a proud history of non-partisan voter engagement, providing voters with information on where the candidates stand on issues important to our members and their families, so they can make their own decisions on Election Day.

AARP North Carolina recently recognized the work of Senator Richard Burr for his role in the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. On “Without Limits,” you will learn more about some of the programs the Act helps support.

RALEIGH – Today AARP North Carolina presented US Senator Richard Burr the 2016 “Champion of the 50+” legislative leadership award for his significant achievements during the 114 th Congress that benefit the lives of the 50+ and their families. Senator Burr received his award for his work to reauthorize the Older Americans Act.