Forsyth County Aging Services Planning Committee

The goal of the FCASPC is to create a senior friendly community in Forsyth. The Committee brings together older adults in the community, caregivers, service providers and public service representatives to work together to provide support and services for older adults in Forsyth County. Meetings are held every 3rd Friday of the month at 9:00am, at Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem. For more information, call (336)703-3883 or 703-3870.

Here you will find information about:

  • Our committee and subcommittees
  • Aging agencies, information & resources in Forsyth County
  • Events hosted by us and our partner agencies
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Weekly E-News, which features items of interest to those in the gerontology field, as well as announcements of upcoming events and opportunities for adults, caregivers, and those who serve them.

All of our meetings are open to the public and we encourage members of our community to get involved in our committee and its subcommittees. Explore our website to learn how you can join us in our endeavor to make Forsyth County a great place to call home.

History of Older Americans Month

When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthdays. About a third of older Americans lived in poverty and there were few programs to meet their needs. Interest in older Americans and their concerns was growing, however. In April of 1963, President John F. Kennedy's meeting with the National Council of Senior Citizens served as a prelude to designating

Thanks to President Jimmy Carter's 1980 designation, what was once called Senior Citizens Month, is now called "Older Americans Month," and has become a tradition.

Historically, Older Americans Month has been a time to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. Every President since JFK has issued a formal proclamation during or before the month of May asking that the entire nation pay tribute in some way to older persons in their communities. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the country through ceremonies, events, fairs and other such activities.

Aging Facts

  • When does old age begin? 18-29 year olds say 60; 65+ year olds say 74.
  • In 1950 there were 8 working-age people for each person 65+; in 2050 there will
    only be 3.
  • 75% of older adults age 65+ have annual incomes (including social security) of
    less than $34,000.
  • If you reach the age of 65, you have an 80% chance of living until at least 85.
  • Half of adults 65+ are online.
  • Only 1 in 5 cases of elder abuse and neglect are reported.
  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries to people over 65 in North Carolina.
  • In 2025 1 in 4 North Carolinians will be 60 and older.
  • Winston-Salem is consistently cited as one of the best and most affordable
    places to retire in the USA.
  • 95,027 grandparents are responsible for minor grandchildren throughout the
    state (2010 census).
  • By 2030, 70 of North Carolina's 100 counties will have more people over age
    60 than under age 18.
  • 15% of North Carolinians age 65+ are employed.
  • 82% of North Carolinians age 65+ own their own homes