AARP North Carolina

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

AARP honors nurses during National Nurses Week

Barbara Corcoran explains how an elaborate email scheme almost cost her $400,000

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.

As AARP North Carolina Director, I am so proud to be associated with all of our volunteers across the state. You have carried forward the wonderful tradition of volunteer service that has always defined AARP. Most importantly, you made a very positive difference in the lives of older adults and their families and in the livability of our communities.Volunteers are the face of AARP at the local level.

Smack dab in the middle of bustling West Asheville is a four-acre “preserve” that is dedicated to a different kind of group living. Called Westwood, it is a co-housing community of about 50 people ranging in age from 3 to 95. Residents live in homes that are clustered together on part of the property, leaving plenty of shared open spaces for gardens, woods, paths and play and sitting areas. A large, shared Common House contains meeting and dining rooms, a large kitchen, guest rooms, co-working spaces and laundry facilities.