WHEREAS, North Carolina currently ranks 9th in total population and in population 60 and older, with an estimated 2.5 million older adults living in the state; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, more than 45,800 people 60 and older moved to North Carolina from other states and abroad; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina must ensure that older adults are respected and portrayed as capable, competent, effective, and valued in all areas of society; and
WHEREAS, ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward others based on age; ageism negatively impacts the health, longevity, and financial well-being of people as they age; and
WHEREAS, preventing ageism in education, employment, housing, and healthcare improves the quality of life of all North Carolinians; and
WHEREAS, Executive Order 280 established North Carolina’s commitment to building an age-friendly state and called upon the NC Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive, cross-sectoral plan to address NC’s rapidly aging population;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 7, 2023, as “AGEISM AWARENESS DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.