Livable Communities

BLOWING ROCK, NC—The Watauga Arts Council invited guests to preview the space and design of tunnel art installations being created to celebrate the region’s heritage, provide educational opportunities, and encourage the health and wellness for people of all ages.

WEST JEFFERSON, NC — At a September 9 special meeting of the West Jefferson Town Council, town leaders announced that it has joined the AARP Age-Friendly States and Communities making a commitment to becoming a better place for residents of all ages.

WAKE FOREST, NC -- To best prepare for a population that is both growing and aging, the Town of Wake Forest, North Carolina, joined the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities. The announcement was made at the town’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting on July 16. Through the Network, the Town of Wake Forest will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages.

North Caroina AARP Community Challenge Grants 2024

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