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 -- As North Carolina’s population ages, greater attention is being placed on the needs of older adults. AARP volunteers and e-activists successfully advocated for more funding for important programs that help older Tar Heels and their family caregivers.
RALEIGH – AARP advocacy and community outreach expert Michael Olender has been named Director of AARP North Carolina. Olender will lead the North Carolina staff and team of nearly 500 volunteers who are working to improve the health, finances and well-being of nearly 1.1 million members in the state.
The NC House of Representatives is considering Senate Bill 559, which if passed, will raise your electric utility bill for the next five years and could include a new fixed charge for up to 30 years.
RALEIGH -- Registered voters in North Carolina ages 25 to 64 do not feel financially prepared for retirement according to a new Attachment found that found over half (56 %) feel that they are behind in their retirement savings.
The Granite City Greenway in Mt Airy is a 6.6 linear mile trail and a great local resource for walking, biking, running or strolling. And a couple of additions would make it even better for users of all ages. A 2019 AARP Community Challenge Grant will help add ten benches, five bike racks and new trees to the trail.
More than 1.2 million family members provide unpaid care in North Carolina, according to the AARP Public Policy Institute. They often tackle challenging duties like medication management and dressing wounds.
Madison County lies on the western edge of North Carolina, where the Appalachian Trail meanders north and east from Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Generations of farmers once grew tobacco here on the sides of mountains and still raise cattle to make ends meet. “When you go back into some of the mountains and hollers, you can almost touch what once was,” says Dee Heinmuller, Director of Madison County Community Services.