MEDIA ADVISORY — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is celebrating Older Americans Month 2024 Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the North Carolina State Farmers Market where people can celebrate aging and learn about local resources during Older Americans Month. The fair is free and open to the public. Sign language interpreters will available, and the event will be closed captioned as well.
North Carolina’s continuing dedication to serving its older residents is highlighted this month with Governor Roy Cooper issuing a proclamation declaring May as Older Americans Month throughout the state.
This year’s theme — Powered by Connection — focuses on how older adults can age in their communities, living independently as long as possible and participating how they choose. Older adults are at risk of social isolation and NCDHHS is working to provide ways for people to connect across the state in traditional and technologically advanced ways.
"We are supporting the growing aging population through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits and protections, and we have been especially hard at work addressing social isolation in person and online," said Joyce Massey-Smith, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Aging. "Social Bridging NC is a great website providing many resources to stay engaged including virtual groups ranging from Zumba and Tai Chi to book clubs and classes to answer questions about Medicare enrollment."
North Carolina ranks 9th in the nation for the number of people aged 65 and older, with one in six North Carolinians aged 65 or older — and that number is growing. By 2030, for the first time ever, it is projected North Carolina will be comprised more of older adults than children.
WHAT: Older Americans Month Celebration
WHO: Joyce Massey-Smith, Director, Division of Aging, NCDHHS
Jill Simmerman Lawrence, Deputy Director, Division of Aging, NCDHHS
Rebecca Freeman, Human Services Planner/Evaluator, Division of Aging, NCDHHS
WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
1:30-3:30 p.m.
WHERE: North Carolina State Farmers Market
201 Agriculture St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
MEDIA: The fair is free and open to the public and members of the media are invited to attend. Media can RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov.