As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older North Carolinians—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Times can be hard and many North Carolinians are challenged by affordable housing, rising property and utility costs and more. AARP, your wise friend and fierce defender, has compiled a handy list of housing assistance programs. With winter coming, let us help you find resources that can help you reduce your stress without compromising your health or safety,
RALEIGH — To help honor North Carolina's 2.28 million family caregivers, Governor Josh Stein issued a proclamation encouraging people to honor the contributions family caregivers are making.
ASHEVILLE, NC — Housing is an urgent priority for the Asheville region, especially since Tropical Storm Helene. According to FEMA, 1000 North Carolina homes were destroyed by the storm and 73,000 were damaged.
RALEIGH -- With social distancing recommended by state by federal health officials, many older adults have serious concerns about their safety if forced to go to crowded polling places in November. AARP members asked us to advocate for changes and most of our recommendations were included in House Bill 1169, an act to make various changes to the law related to elections and to appropriate funds to the state board of elections in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
RALEIGH -- The North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force on Serious Illness Care, recommends actions to improve quality of living for individuals with serious illness and their caregivers. The full report of the Task Force will be released this summer, but with COVID-19, serious illness care is touching a record number of North Carolinians and there are some recommendations that can’t wait.
If you’ve been home-bound for a while, your indoor scenery may be getting old. You’ve probably cleaned out a closet or two by now, but what about amending your home environment to make it safer? A tip sheet from the RL Mace Universal Design Institute (UDI) can help you with that. “These few simple changes can make a difference,” explains Richard Duncan, Executive Director of UDI. “They can get you thinking more about home safety and might very well result in a plan for more substantial changes later.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered just about every public institution throughout the United States. In North Carolina, businesses, schools, parks, and events remain closed as the public responds to the need for social distancing in order to “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of the virus. Social distancing is working and should continue, but we should not confuse social "distancing" with social "isolation." They aren’t the same. There is a real need for people to get outside, enjoy the spring air, and relax or exercise. The Center for Disease Control also recommends physical activity as a way to cope with the stress of the pandemic.
Serious Illness Coalition applauds NC General Assembly, Governor, and Secretary of State for giving people more flexibility in preparing important legal health care documents
When it comes to aging, there is no place like home. A 2016 survey by AARP found 76% of people age 50+ strongly agree with the statement, “I would like to remain in my current home as long as possible.” The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities can help people do so by assisting counties, cities, towns and rural areas best meet the needs of residents of all ages. During this national health crisis, age-friendly communities offer added benefits.