The population aged 65 and over in North Carolina is expected to grow more than 60% by 2037. With this growing population, and spotlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on the needs of older adults living in the community, NCIOM is excited to convene this task force to identify policies and practices to make North Carolina a great place to grow older. This work will focus on four specific topics related to aging in the community setting - social connections, falls prevention, food and nutrition security, and mobility.
Social isolation is an issue that has long been known as a risk factor for dementia, heart disease, stroke, premature death of all causes, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide in older adults. The pandemic has highlighted challenges that many older adults have in accessing needed services to support healthy nutrition. There is also a growing need for attention to the development of communities and homes that provide a safe environment for mobility and falls prevention. Through this task force, state and local leaders will work together to develop comprehensive recommendations for these complex health challenges.
Back to Task ForcesCo-Chairs
Tamara Baker, PhD, MA
Professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dennis Streets
Retired, Former Director of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services,
Former Executive Director, Chatham County Council on Aging
Project Staff
Brieanne Lyda-McDonald, MSPH
Project Director
North Carolina Institute of Medicine
The population aged 65 and over in North Carolina is expected to grow more than 60% by 2037. With this growing population, and spotlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on the needs of older adults living in the community, NCIOM is excited to convene this task force to identify policies and practices to make North Carolina a great place to grow older. This work will focus on four specific topics related to aging in the community setting – social connections, falls prevention, food and nutrition security, and mobility.
Social isolation is an issue that has long been known as a risk factor for dementia, heart disease, stroke, premature death of all causes, and mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicide in older adults. The pandemic has highlighted challenges that many older adults have in accessing needed services to support healthy nutrition. There is also a growing need for attention to the development of communities and homes that provide a safe environment for mobility and falls prevention. Through this task force, state and local leaders will work together to develop comprehensive recommendations for these complex health challenges.