Livable Communities

BREVARD, NC — The title, "Age Friendly Brevard” sounds like it was meant to be, and it came together so easily.

HENDERSONVILLE, NC — By 2030, one-in every-five people in the U.S. will be 65 or older. In just a few short years, there will be more North Carolinians ages 65 and older than those under age 18.

Seven organizations around the state received 2023 AARP Community Challenge grants—totaling nearly $110,000—for local improvement projects, including trails, home modifications, intersection enhancements and a community garden.

RALEIGH, NC — Throughout 2023, AARP advocates in North Carolina helped push for improvements and funding that will help protect the health, wealth, and personal well-being of the state’s growing population of older adults. These improvements are critical when it comes to meeting the needs of older adults, who will soon outnumber residents in the state ages 18 and younger.

The state’s 65-plus population rose by 41 percent from 2011 to 2021, compared with an 11 percent increase for those under 65. To help prepare for that shift, state agencies are working together on a multisector plan for aging.

AARP Livable Communities Workshops

RALEIGH, NC -- In 2023, AARP North Carolina provided seven organizations throughout the state Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.6 million awarded among 310 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; diversity, equity and inclusion; and more, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

ASHEVILLE -- Imagine being able to age in place in a new, award-winning home right here in Buncombe County that was designed for maximum accessibility. Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity submitted Aging in Place house plans to a Habitat for Humanity International design competition, and they won the 2023 Best in Accessibility Award!

When you were a kid, most often trails were reachable only after a boring car or bus ride which was a little too long or hard. As they say, "times have changed," and our state is making it easier than ever for you to get outside and active on a trail.

The State of North Carolina Joins the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities