Buncombe County developed its action plan as part of its previous work in the Aging Coordinating Consortium. The initiative's goals and strategies are the result of two community surveys and a comprehensive data and literature review. The plan reflects the vision of an age-friendly community where older adults are safe, well, and engaged, specifically highlighting that all older adults in the county, regardless of demographic, should be treated with respect.n

1. Housing

   Create more housing choices for older adults and encourage aging in place by coordinating across diverse stakeholder communities.

2. Civic Participation and Employment

   Build new job opportunities for older adults by educating employers about the benefits of hiring and engaging older workers, providing networking and skill-building opportunities for older adults through job fairs, and holding lunch and learn events in support of creating a more experienced workforce.

3. Respect and Inclusion

   Bolster existing initiatives, such as Friends Against Fraud, the Elder Abuse Case Review Multidisciplinary Team, and bi-annual professional networking and capacity-building events, to address elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.