Making communities great places for all -- subject of new UNC-TV program "Booming"

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC

-- In a new program entitled “Booming,” airing in May on UNC-TV, and the NC Channel, viewers will learn how, four different programs are creating community and are building healthy and active opportunities for older adults to engage with others.

By the year 2025,  the vast majority (90 of 100) counties in the state will have more residents ages 65 and older, than those 18 and younger. That is the reason why several communities in the state are taking measures now to improve the lives of residents of all ages.

AARP North Carolina Associate State Director Doug Dickerson explains, “Making improvements that help older adults live independently in the own homes has great benefits for people of all ages. The new television program looks at four inspiring ideas that improve the health and mobility of people in North Carolina communities large and small."

For example, Dickerson explained, in the Raleigh-Durham area there are many opportunities to socially engage. "So how do we get more older adults to participate in community activities that enrich their health and well-being?" he asked.

Age-friendly or livable communities have walkable streets, housing and transportation options, access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities. By doing so, these communities are better equipped to become great places, and even lifelong homes, for people of all ages.

In North Carolina, Wake, Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Guilford and Orange Counties have each joined AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities.  They are a a few of over 230 communities nationwide that are working with elected officials, city planners, concerned citizens and others to actively work toward making their town, city, county or state a great place for people of all ages.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities encourages states, cities, towns and counties to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.

Produced by UNC-TV with the support of AARP, the “Booming” program looks as aspects of age-friendly through the eyes of older adults. The series looks at community gardening in Asheville, social engagement in Raleigh, transportation services in Charlotte, and the health and wellness of people in the rural community of Pantego, NC.

The program air dates and times in May are as follows:

UNC-TV:

• Thursday, 5/3,  8pm
• Sunday, 5/5, 10am

NC Channel: https://www.unctv.org/watch/channels/nc-channel/

• Tuesday, 5/1, 9pm
• 5/3,  2pm
• 5/5, noon
• 5/5, 2:30pm