New Hanover County has sights set on Master Aging Plan

The population of older adults in New Hanover County is expected to have a 54% increase by 2036.

That's why the county is developing its first Master Aging Plan, which will "outline some of the key priorities of our community to age well, based on the needs assessment currently underway," according to Jessica Loeper, chief communications officer for New Hanover County.

"Within those key priorities and domains, there will be a framework of the resources, services and programs that will be needed over the next five years in order to have a comprehensive and coordinated approach to serving the aging population," Loeper said. "Some of those priorities could include nutrition, transportation, housing, social inclusion, community support, health services, and more."

The plan will be a county-wide effort, said County Manager Chris Courdriet in a blog post about the plan. 

"It will be a collaborative plan, implemented by the Senior Resource Center in partnership with an aging coalition of community nonprofits, healthcare providers, and private organizations, to make sure there are collaborative systems and resources in place for seniors to age well – here in our community – and not have to miss a beat."

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 The Senior Resource Center kicked off a survey on Oct. 14 that will be open until Dec. 2 to solicit community feedback. Residents can share their needs and concerns about aging, as well as provide feedback on the resources seniors use in the community.

In addition to the survey, the Senior Resource Center will conduct targeted interviews with community stakeholders and hold focus groups with community members, in order to better understand and assess the community’s needs.

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After the community needs assessment and survey are complete, the Senior Resource Center will convene working groups to develop action plans that address each identified priority area.

That work, over several months, will be compiled into a five-year MAP that will be presented to the Board of Commissioners in the spring or summer of 2021.

If you are interested in participating in future work groups to create action steps for New Hanover County’s Master Aging Plan, call 910-798-6445 or email azeldin@nhcgov.com for more information.