Sorry to be late, just wrapped up a long listen of the legislative hearings by the North Carolina Study Commission on Aging. The state is looking at a number of models for improving and streamlining services—a good idea since the population boom in retirees is accelerating. Some quick facts from UNC’s Institute on Aging (click on the link for the full list):
NC’s older population is projected to more than double from 2000 to 2030. The very old population (85+) is projected to much more than double, increasing 150%. [1]
North Carolina has a significantly higher percentage of black elderly (16%) than the overall U.S. (8%). In contrast, North Carolina has a much lower percentage of Hispanic elderly (0.6%) than the overall U.S. (5%) (2004). [6]
Older women significantly outnumber older men; they represent 61% of the 65+ population and 74% of the 85+ population in NC (2004). [6]
North Carolina women age 75+ are twice as likely to be poor as men the same age (2004). [6]
North Carolina will need more than 21,000 additional nurse aides and other paraprofessionals to meet the long term care needs of its older adults over the next 5 years (2001). [8]
Other news this noonish hour:
• OP takes a look at the Chapel Hill Police Chief search
• Teheri-Azar wants trial over ASAP
• H-S: Earth Fare leaving Eastgate
• Ernie Hood’s WCOM science show, Radio In Vivo, gets a write-up