Governor Stein Proclaims Ageism Awareness Day

Ageism Awareness Day 

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina ranks ninth in the nation in total population and ninth in population 60 and older; and an estimated 2.7 million older adults over the age of 60 reside in the state; 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 ageism refers to the stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination toward others based on age; and

Whereas, preventing ageism in education, employment, housing, and health care improves the quality of life of all North Carolinians; and addressing ageism is essential to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for current and future generations, ensuring all individuals age with dignity, respect, and the support they deserve; and

Whereas, Executive Order 280 establishes North Carolina’s commitment to building an age-friendly state and calls upon the NC Department of Health and Human Services to develop a comprehensive, cross-sectoral plan to address our state’s rapidly aging population; and

Whereas, North Carolina released the All Ages, All Stages NC plan to support healthy aging and ensure communities, systems, and services are prepared to meet the needs of people of all ages; and addressing ageism is a critical component, with dedicated efforts through the Ageism and Education subgroups to increase awareness, promote education, and advance strategies that reduce age-based stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination; and

Whereas, the NC Department of Health and Human Services Division of Aging, alongside partners across the state, works to ensure older adults are recognized as valued members of society by advancing policies, programs, and initiatives that promote inclusion, respect, and opportunities across the lifespan;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2026, as “Ageism Awareness Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-fifth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.