PRESS RELEASE — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will host a live fireside chat and tele-town hall on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss how aging adults, particularly those living in rural communities in the state, can support their health and access the care they need.
Event participants include:
- Joyce Massey-Smith, Director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, NCDHHS
- Dennis Streets, Co-Chair of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine Task Force on Healthy Aging
- Nathan Boucher, DrPH, PA, Associate Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Nursing, Duke University; Senior Fellow, Duke Center for the Study of Aging & Human Development
One in five North Carolinians will soon be older than the age of 65, which means there will be more older adults than children in the state for the first time. Older adults remain active leaders and members of their communities, but their realities and health needs are often overlooked.
Nearly 80% of adults 60 years of age and older have two or more chronic conditions, which is why it’s particularly important for older adults to maintain regular health visits and stay up to date on vaccinations, including for the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia for those 65 and older. The risks of complications from respiratory viruses are higher among people 65 and older, especially those with chronic conditions.
Fireside chat and tele-town hall panelists will discuss the following:
- How to navigate aging in rural communities
- Importance of routine health visits and care
- Mental health services and supports for older adults
- Resources to support aging adults and caregivers in North Carolina
People who grow older in rural areas often face challenges in finding care that meets their specific health needs, including mental health support. Local and state resources are available to support the 4.6 million North Carolinians living in rural areas throughout their aging journey.
The fireside chat will stream live from the NCDHHS Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts, where viewers can submit questions. The event also includes a tele-town hall, which invites people by phone to listen in and submit questions. People can also dial into the event by calling 855-756-7520 Ext. 95264#.