Health & Wellbeing

Spring has sprung, and with it comes warmer weather. Not only is the outdoors the perfect place to relax, but getting some fresh air can also improve your mental health. See below to learn about some simple, outdoor activities that will not only strengthen your physical health but will also lift your spirits.

Story updated on July 23, 2021

Did you know that April 14 is National Gardening Day? Not only is this hobby a perfect spring activity, but it also has plenty of mental health benefits that will keep you at ease during such a stressful time in the world. If you’re interested in creating a garden of your own, keep reading for some tips and tricks on how to get started:

DURHAM -- AARP in the Triangle Region and the Durham Center for Senior Life (DCSL) are partnering to support hungry residents of Durham ages 55 and older. The program called EATS: Shop & Grab presented by AARP, is an opportunity for older adults who may be experiencing food insecurity to get the groceries they need.

BOONE, NC -- Imagine living in an area where four clinically approved wellness assessments are offered free of charge to seniors, while the same tests might cost hundreds of dollars if ordered by a doctor somewhere else? What’s not to like? This is the situation at Appalachian State University, where the Interprofessional Clinic uses the free tests to help train both undergrad and graduate students. But during the pandemic there’s been a hitch, there's not enough seniors signing up for the tests.

RALEIGH, NC - Access to quality healthcare continues to be one of the most important issues facing North Carolina. On March 11, legislators took a major step towards improving access with the introduction of SB 249/HB 277, the SAVE Act. This bipartisan legislation would cut outdated red tape for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and bring North Carolina in line with long established national standards.

1.1 million member state organization's legislative priorities

The holidays can be a time for frank family discussions. AARP North Carolina urges residents to use the opportunity to make out living wills and other advance directives.

RALEIGH, NC -- As COVID-19 cases in North Carolina continue to climb, AARP renewed its call for state legislators to better protect nursing home residents and staff from the coronavirus. The latest release of the AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard finds concerning trends in North Carolina’s nursing homes, with nursing home deaths, resident cases, lack of personal protective equipment and staff shortages all above the national average.

As we live through these uncertain times where people are beginning to question the safety and sustainability of a globalized food system, a silver lining has emerged. People are beginning to turn towards their communities and are recognizing the importance of local food.