Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime

Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime

Goal: North Carolinians will live in communities, neighborhoods, and homes that support thriving at all stages and ages. This workgroup focuses on creating inclusive and age-friendly communities by identifying strategies and initiatives that address housing, transportation, social engagement, healthcare access, and community services.

Subgroups (3)

  1. Housing
  2. Connectivity and Digital Literacy
  3. Social Determinants of Health and Age-Friendly

Key Recommendations (9)

Housing (Housing Priority)

  • Expand access to affordable, sustainable housing for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
  • Promote universal design to make homes and buildings usable for all ages and abilities.
  • Address unique housing needs of people aging with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and mental health conditions.

Connectivity and Digital Literacy (Age-Friendly State and Communities Priority)

  • Strengthen partnerships to reduce social isolation and improve connectivity.
  • Promote digital inclusion for older adults through broadband access, training, and technology distribution — especially in rural areas.

SDOH & Age-Friendly Communities (Age-Friendly State and Communities Priority)

  • Promote transportation options that enhance independence for older adults and people with disabilities.
  • Remove barriers to accessing community services that address social determinants of health.

How to Get Involved

This workgroup is ideal for:

  • City and county planners
  • Housing authorities and nonprofits
  • Libraries and broadband providers
  • Rural coalitions
  • Faith and community leaders

You can:

  • Bring forward local pilot projects and models
  • Help shape equitable design standards and funding criteria
  • Join a subgroup that aligns with your area (e.g., housing or digital equity)
  • Submit your agency’s existing age-friendly efforts for sharing

 

Want to help shape your community’s built environment? Subgroups still need voices from transportation, planning, and rural outreach. Contact Divya Venkataganesan and Caylee Weaver.

This is a great entry point for organizations already addressing social drivers of health.

Workgroup Co-Leads: Dr. Deryl Fulmer and Janice Tyler

Documents

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