News Release

Statewide Health Promotion Effort Involves IOA

April 28, 2005

Thirty-one key leaders from around the state of North Carolina participated in a March 29th meeting to address how the state can promote health and prevent disease and disability in older adults. Held in Raleigh, the session served to launch a statewide initiative to address the challenges of keeping our rapidly aging population healthy, fit and engaged in life. Mary Altpeter, Institute on Aging (IOA) Associate Director for Program Development, and Ellen Schneider, IOA Program Manager, participated in the meeting. The IOA is also providing administrative support and resources to this initiative, which is closely linked to its involvement in the North Carolina Healthy Aging Network (NC HAN) as well.

In December of 2004, North Carolina was selected as one of only 14 states in the country to send a team of professionals to Chicago to collaborate on strategies to meet the health challenges of the aging population and the projected growth in the number of people with chronic conditions. The March meeting brought together leaders in the state who will help to design, over the course of the next year, an action plan for health promotion and disease prevention programs and services for older adults. The group will meet again on June 28th, 2005 to continue its efforts.

With over 1,035,000 persons in North Carolina over the age of 65 (approximately 12.1% of the state population), the state faces a challenge that is significant in scope, especially given that older adults are the fastest growing sector of the state's population. Moreover, the state faces the challenge of a population that is already having difficulties. The N.C. State Data Center indicates that 45.7% of North Carolina adults age 65 and over have a disability. Chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, are responsible for 65% of all deaths in the state. In a 2004 report released by the Merck Institute on Aging and Health titled The State of Aging and Health in America, it was noted that North Carolina is not meeting the national standards for older adults in the areas of oral health, proper nutrition, and physical activity levels. The state is ranked 42nd or worse in the percent of older adults who are disabled, obese, or report physically unhealthy days. However, it is never too late to make a difference: older adults can always reap some benefits from healthy eating and physical activity. The health promotion and aging leaders in the state are committed to working together to develop a positive plan for healthy aging in North Carolina that uses our collaborative resources and energies.