Older Americans Month is a time to recognize the many positive contributions older adults make in our community, reaffirm our commitment to providing services and supports to older adults, and include older adults’ voices in our community planning.  Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation in recognizing Older Americans Month and chooses the theme.  The 2025 theme is “Flip the Script on Aging”  which focuses on changing how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions.  

Share Your Voice: Envision Buncombe Survey
Buncombe County is asking residents to help shape the future of the County through Envision Buncombe, a five-minute online survey guiding how the County and local governments can recover stronger, better, and more resilient.  Already, more than 1,300 residents have participated. Resident input will help inform future programs and projects aligned with community needs, especially as we reshape the County’s five-year Strategic Plan in the wake of Helene’s impacts.  

Residents are encouraged to take the survey today at https://engage.buncombecounty.org/envisionbuncombe and share the link with family, friends, and neighbors.

 Below are some events happening in May and June to support older adults and caregivers. 

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NC GUARDIAN AND CARE MANAGEMENT

Village Elders – 2 Part Series

Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

AmeriHealth Caritas NC – Asheville Wellness Center

216 Asheland Avenue, Asheville, 28801

Join Kim Shaffer and Paula Kelley with NC Guardian and Care Management as they lead a two-part series exploring the Village to Village Model – a unique approach designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life.  Dinner will be provided on both nights.  Registration is required.  For more information or to register, please contact NC Guardian and Care Management at 828-500-9205 or [email protected] or visit www.ncgcm.net. 

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ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE

Dot (The Narrative)

Saturday, May 31 at 2:30 pm

35 East Walnut Street, Asheville, 28801

Asheville Community Theatre is partnering with Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective to present The Narrative, a series of staged readings of plays written by BIPOC playwrights. The Narrative celebrates BIPOC theatre makers and creates paid opportunities for BIPOC performers and directors in WNC.  Asheville Community Theatre is proud to present Dot by Colman Domingo in a staged reading series "The Narrative".  About the play: The holidays are always a wild family affair at the Shealy house. But this year, Dotty and her three grown children gather with more than exchanging presents on their minds. As Dotty struggles to hold on to her memory, her children must fight to balance care for their mother and care for themselves. This twisted and hilarious new play grapples unflinchingly with aging parents, midlife crises, and the heart of a West Philly neighborhood.

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AGE-FRIENDLY BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Standing in Our Strength:  Flip the Script on Aging Event

Tuesday, June 10 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

First Baptist Church of Asheville

5 Oak Street, Asheville, 28801

Due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, Age-Friendly Buncombe County will not be having the Age-Friendly Summit Conference, and the Buncombe County Elder Justice Coalition will not be having the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) Walk this year.  We still would like to honor older adults for their many contributions and empower our communities to protect older adults from elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, scams, and fraud.  The Strategic Aging Leadership Team (SALT) and Buncombe County Elder Justice Coalition, both part of Age-Friendly Buncombe County, are hosting a combined event, Standing in Our Strength: Flip the Script on Aging, to celebrate Older Americans Month in May and raise awareness about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June.  The event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak Street, on Tuesday, June 10 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.  The event will be a fair with a panel discussion, vendor tables with representatives and resources from organizations that support older adults and caregivers, and a light breakfast. Commissioner Jennifer Horton is the keynote speaker.