Livable Communities

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

Do you ever wonder why more people don’t bike or walk to take care of their daily errands, especially when most of us have grocery stores, drug stores, and other destinations that are within easy biking or walking distance?

Imagine, a quaint, friendly and charming town where the warm ocean breezes and sparkling water and boats can be seen from downtown wherever you walk.

RALEIGH, NC—AARP North Carolina invites local eligible organizations and governments across the country to apply for the 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 15 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, diversity and inclusion, and more. Now in its seventh year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for all residents, especially those age 50 and older. “AARP is committed to helping communities across the state become great places to live for people of all ages with an emphasis on people age 50 and older,” said AARP North Carolina Director Michael Olender. “The Community Challenge has proven that quick-action projects can lead to long-lasting improvements enhancing North Carolinians’ quality of life.”