What will North Carolina's population look like in coming years? NC ranks ninth nationally in population aged 65 and older and has undergone significant demographic changes in the 21st century. Assessing and understanding the demographic changes and their implications will be critical in addressing age-related issues, catalyzing change, and preparing for the future of North Carolina.

"The idea of planning for care through the end of life seems distant and hard to grasp for a lot of us — especially those considered young or without current health conditions. When are we at the end? When we’re diagnosed with cancer? When we’re in the wrong place at the wrong time? “Advance care planning” is similarly vague. In advance of what? Plus, a lot of us assume a doctor or medical team is responsible for planning our care." Aly Lynch, 3/1/2023