Henderson County is experiencing a historic demographic shift that is reshaping the needs of the community. With nearly one in three residents age 65 or older, the county has a growing older adult population. 

This change represents more than people living longer. It reflects a fundamental shift in the balance of generations, with significant implications for housing, transportation, healthcare, workforce availability, family caregiving, and community infrastructure.

In response, the Henderson County Aging Coalition (HCAC) has completed a new Henderson County Aging Plan for 2026–2029 and is moving into the next phase of its work: bringing community partners and residents together to turn shared priorities into coordinated action.

"We're experiencing a fundamental change in the makeup of our population, yet many of the systems and services we rely on were developed for a very different demographic reality," said Elizabeth Williams, Executive Director of Mountain Aging Partners. "There is already tremendous work happening across Henderson County. Our opportunity is to connect that work, identify where additional support is needed, and make sure we're preparing our community for the decades ahead."

A Shared Plan for Henderson County

The Henderson County Aging Plan was developed through the coalition's collaborative efforts and provides a framework for addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with an aging population.

The plan identifies four priorities:

1. Age-Friendly Communities: Supporting housing, transportation, mobility, social connection, and community environments that work for people of all ages.
2. Empowering Older Adults: Helping residents access information, plan ahead, make informed choices, and navigate available resources.
3. Caregivers & Community Support Networks: Strengthening support for family caregivers and the friends, neighbors, faith communities, and organizations that help older adults remain connected and supported.
4. Workforce, Investment & Long-Term Sustainability: Addressing workforce challenges, community infrastructure, and the long-term partnerships and investments needed to support an aging population.

The plan is designed to build on existing community efforts rather than duplicate them. It provides a shared framework for identifying gaps, strengthening partnerships, and encouraging coordinated action across sectors.

Moving from Planning to Action

In 2027, HCAC will bring back quarterly community gatherings under the working title Henderson County Aging Coalition Community Forums.

Each gathering will focus on one of the Aging Plan's four priorities, providing opportunities for residents, service providers, businesses, healthcare organizations, local government, and other community partners to share information, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The first forum, focused on Age-Friendly Communities, is scheduled for March 4, 2027. Additional gatherings are planned for June 3, September 2, and November 4.

The forums are intended to be more than traditional educational presentations. Depending on the topic, they may include panel discussions, community conversations, resource sharing, and opportunities to identify practical next steps.

Additional details, including locations and speakers, will be announced in early 2027.

Building a Community Where We Can All Age Well

The Henderson County Aging Coalition brings together residents, service providers, local government, businesses, healthcare organizations, and other partners committed to preparing the community for an aging population.

The coalition does not directly provide services. Instead, it serves as a forum for identifying needs, sharing information, connecting organizations, strengthening collaboration, and advancing community-wide solutions.

Mountain Aging Partners serves as the coalition's convener and coordinating organization, while the Aging Plan belongs to the community.

"Preparing for an aging population isn't simply about expanding services for older adults," Williams added. "It's about how we plan our communities, support families, develop our workforce, and make decisions that will affect residents of every generation. This work belongs to all of us."

HCAC welcomes participation from older adults, family caregivers, community members, businesses, faith communities, service providers, and others interested in helping shape Henderson County's future.

To learn more about the Henderson County Aging Coalition and its work, visit mapnc.org.