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DRAFT Cabarrus County Aging Strategic Plan Submitted March 17, 2014 Executive Summary Cabarrus County Government is working to understand how to best meet the needs of the older adult population. This includes residents in varying stages of activity, ability, health and need. In 2013, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners charged County staff with the development of a strategic plan to assist older adults and their families over the next five years. A task force comprised of Cabarrus County employees indentified six priority areas of focus, initiated an informational survey, determined primary goals for the areas of focus and developed an Aging Strategic Plan for five fiscal years, 2015 -2020. The six priority areas of focus identified in the strategic planning process are education and information, housing and home improvement, health and wellness, recreation and entertainment, transportation and accessibility, and employment and income. The task force branched out into subcommittees comprised of County staff, and representatives from local municipalities, faith - based, non - profit and for - profit partners for each area of focus. The subcommittees held meetings over a 10 -month period to address current research, demographic trends and challenges. Residents of Cabarrus County provided input through an unscientific survey that gathered information on the type services and programs respondents feel are needed as they or someone they know ages. The Aging Strategic Plan task force used the public and subcommittee input to develop two primary goals of focus for the aging strategic plan. 1. Develop partnerships to identify, evaluate and collaborate on programs and services. 2. Raise awareness of the programs and services offered in Cabarrus County. Using these goals, each subcommittee formulated action steps that help meet current and future needs of older adults in Cabarrus County. In the Aging Strategic Plan, commissioners can review an abbreviated analysis of research trends and challenges and explore options for addressing the increasing percentage of older adults within our population. The Board's vision to identify strategies and proactively focus our initiatives is the first of many steps our County government can take to help limit the physical, social and financial effects of aging experienced by Cabarrus County residents. This report aims to clarify how Cabarrus County Government can serve the varying abilities and stages of the aging population, and identify action steps the Board can consider for implementation over the next five years. 3.17.14 DRAFT Cabarrus County Aging Strategic Plan 1 -2 Page 78