North Carolina is Getting Older
North Carolina is undergoing a major demographic shift.
In 2018, for the first time in recorded history, there were more residents aged 60 and older than children under 18. Today, that is true in more than 88 counties across the state - and the trend is accelerating.
This growth presents both challenges and opportunities. How we respond now will shape the future of every community in North Carolina.
More than half the states across the country are now developing Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs) to prepare for similar shifts. North Carolina is one of the early leaders and we are moving from planning to action.
Why it matters:
This demographic transformation is reshaping our neighborhoods, economy, workforce, health systems, and infrastructure. It demands coordinated, sustained action, not only to address needs, but to invest in long-term resilience and opportunity.
What we are doing:
North Carolina’s All Ages, All Stages NC Multisector Plan for Aging is no longer just a vision. Implementation is underway.
We are focused on turning recommendations into results and we need your voice, your expertise, and your action.
Aging Doesn’t Look The Same
We are viewing and experiencing aging in entirely different ways than past generations. Today’s older adults are active in every part of life: working, caregiving, mentoring, leading, advocating, and contributing in new ways. Instead of slowing down and withdrawing, we are continuing to actively interact with and contribute to our professions, neighborhoods, families and much more.
North Carolinians 60 and over are proudly proclaiming, “I’m still here,” and are looking to our state to provide helpful resources and assistance to make their lives even better.
The campaign name - “I’m Still Here” - was born from that call for visibility and respect.It reminds us: Every person matters, at every age.
Take action:
Fill out the Share your thoughts about aging in NC survey to join our newsletter listserv and stay connected.
We Are Now in Implementation
The planning phase is over. We are now executing the All Ages, All Stages NC Multisector Plan for Aging, built on Executive Order 280.
What we are doing now:
- Standing up 5 implementation workgroups and 7 subgroups
- Hosting quarterly webinars to share progress and spotlight innovation
- Publishing quarterly reports and an annual impact report
- Expanding the “I’m Still Here” campaign to elevate lived experiences
- Updating the Aging Data Dashboard with county-level and goal-aligned metrics
Data Dashboard
The data dashboard provides insights into aging-related data and statistics. It aims to create a holistic picture of individuals' life experiences and potential needs, focusing on key areas such as demographics, health and well-being, economic security, social engagement, and community support.
In the next phase, we will enhance the dashboard by incorporating metrics that align with each of the four topics and eight priorities of the All Ages, All Stages NC initiative. However, the current phase spotlights an in-depth view of our older population and demographic county-level dives, pulling from the Division of Aging's aging profiles report.
This dashboard was created in partnership with the Division of Aging and the UNC Sheps Center for Health Services Research.
Click the stretch button on the bottom right to open in full-screen mode.
Four Goals and 2024-2026 Priorities
- Priority 1: Home and Community-Based Services
- Data Modernization (ex: Replace ARMS)
- Explore new funding streams
- Review and optimize HCCBG
- Priority 2: Family Caregiver Support
- Blend federal and state funding for HCBS
- Enhance family leave requirements and promote family-friendly workplaces
- Explore state taxes for caregiver expenses
- Secure funding for NC Caregiver Portal
- Streamline caregiver referrals (211, NCCARE360)
- Priority 3: Housing
- Take executive action to address challenges
- Increase funding for housing rehab, repair, and modification
- Increase incentives for development and repair of housing
- Increase income eligibility and exemption amounts for tax exemption/deferral programs
- Encourage universal design
- Promote aging in place
- Priority 4: Adult Protective Services
- Implement APS statutory changes
- Allocate state funding to county DSS for APS
- Establish pilot alternative protective response program
- Priority 5: Age-friendly State and Communities
- Assist age-friendly efforts
- Foster culture of healthy living
- Strengthen collaborations to address isolation
- Address digital equity
- Promote model healthcare programs
- Promote innovation in transportation
- Address challenges related to overcoming food insecurity
- Educate on fraud prevention and consumer protection
- Enhance 211 and NCCARE360
- Reestablish legislative study commission on aging
- Priority 6: Long-term Services and Supports
- Convene task force to address delivery and financing
- Educate consumers on long-term care costs
- Address challenges to providing continuum of LTSS
- Priority 7: Workforce
- Ensure skilled aging workforce
- Support current workforce studies
- Expand financial incentives for healthcare careers and address wage disparities
- Expand consumer-directed options
- Priority 8: Potential of All Older Adults
- Expand employment and intergenerational opportunities
- Promote retirement savings
- Address ageism
- Reduce health insurance costs
- Explore free tuition benefits
- Strengthen and expand volunteer engagement opportunities
- Promote financial literacy and awareness of benefits/services
- Reestablish and expand PREPARE pre-retirement program
We Are Responding
NC’s demographic changes have caught the attention of many state leaders including Governor Roy Cooper, who on May 2, 2023, issued Executive Order 280. This order established NC’s commitment to building an age-friendly state and called for a government-wide approach to identify solutions that can guide changes at the state level and ensure that North Carolina is ready to meet the needs of its rapidly aging population.
This planning initiative, known as All Ages, All Stages NC, is both timely and imperative. The resulting recommendations will help guide state leaders as they work to meet the needs of a changing North Carolina for years to come.
- In 2023, 1.9 million of NC’s 11 million people were age 65+. By 2043, this will increase 45% to 2.8 million. The age 85+ population is expected to grow by 143% during the same period.
- Right now, 1 in 6 North Carolinians are aged 65+. Next year, this should change to 1 in 5.
- NC ranks 9th nationally in both overall population and 65+ population.
- Many older adults are immigrating to NC. Over 49,000 people 60+ from other states or countries chose to make NC their home in 2022.
- 1 in 10 adults 65+ live below poverty.
- 18% of adults 65+ participate in the labor force.
- 97% of adults 65+ live in private households and 27% of adults 65+ live alone.
- 1.2 million unpaid caregivers in NC provide 1.2 billion hours or $16.5 billion worth of care.
Check out the 2025 Insights into Aging Factsheet for more data.
How to Get Involved
North Carolina’s aging population is growing and the time to act is now.
DHHS and our partners are calling on individuals, agencies, and organizations to help bring the All Ages, All Stages NC plan and our vision of an age-friendly NC to reality. This is your chance to move from awareness to action.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates, webinar invites, tools, and resources.
The Five Workgroups Leading the Charge
- Optimizing Health & Wellbeing – Ensuring access to person-centered services & supports.
- Supporting Older Adults & Families – Strengthening resources so people can age at home and caregivers get the support they need.
- Strengthening Communities for a Lifetime – Creating age-friendly neighborhoods, housing, and protections for all.
- Affording Aging – Promoting financial security & opportunities for older adults.
- Legislative Action (Cross-Cutting) – Driving policies and investments that promote equitable aging solutions.
Within these workgroups, seven subgroups are focusing on targeted actions aligned with the plan’s eight priorities and 41 implementation steps.
Join an Implementation Workgroup
North Carolina is now in the implementation phase of All Ages, All Stages NC, and we need your expertise.
Subgroups began virtually meeting in April 2025 and are developing action plans, identifying gaps, and shaping policy across the state. These are collaborative, high-impact spaces where stakeholders work together to create lasting change for people of all ages.
Each workgroup is supported by subgroups that focus on specific recommendations and implementation steps tied to our eight priorities and 41 action steps.
Important Note: Subgroup membership is currently by invitation and selection by subgroup leaders to ensure diverse, cross-sector representation. However, many subgroups are still seeking to fill gaps in representation.
If you missed the initial opportunity to join but believe your voice or organization should be included, please contact:
Divya Venkataganesan: divya.venkataganesan@dhhs.nc.gov & Caylee Weaver: Caylee.Weaver@dhhs.nc.gov
Next opportunity to join a subgroup will open in October 2025.
Attend Quarterly Webinars
Our quarterly workgroup webinars are open to all. These sessions spotlight real-time updates from workgroups and subgroups, highlight local and national leaders, and give space for discussion and feedback. Join our newsletter to register for the upcoming July webinar.
Find Your Agency’s Role in the Plan
Every agency, organization, and community partner has a place in this work. Share the plan with your networks and begin aligning local work with statewide priorities.
Review the eight priorities to see how your agency’s mission aligns with the goals and focus areas of the plan. Let us know where you see synergy - we can help you plug in and scale your impact.
Support the "I’m Still Here" Campaign
Help change how North Carolina sees and supports older adults. The “I’m Still Here” campaign amplifies the voices and visibility of people 60 and older across our state.
Stay Connected
Let us know how your community or organization is helping move the plan forward - we want to amplify your efforts and share your successes. Email us at AAASNC@dhhs.nc.gov
