UNCW and AARP launch first-of-a-kind retirement initiative

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington’s retirement population is growing. That is why UNCW and AARP have launched a program to tackle the challenges the 50 plus population faces.

They are working together to launch what they call a first-of-a-kind program called the “Secure and Healthy Retirement Initiative.” They say they specifically chose Wilmington for a reason.

“We are a destination for the 50 plus,” the dean of health and human services at UNCW Dr. Charlie Hardy said.

According to the NC Division on Aging, New Hanover County will have more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 18 by 2020.

“Destination is important when we think about retirement,” Hardy said. “Not only do we have citizens who were born and raised in this part of the country who are aging, but we have a lot of folks from all over the country and the world who are choosing Wilmington and the Southeastern region of North Carolina as their retirement home.”

That is why AARP and UNCW launched this initiative for the first time in the state. They say programs like this have been successful in other parts of the country. It will offer volunteer opportunities and workshops on health and financial advice. It will also offer counseling opportunities.

Hardy says the program tackles several different challenges that the growing retirement population faces.

“This combination of health and financial security fits very nicely,” Hardy said. “When people step back and think about it, It is in fact doing both well and good in the same breath that we’re facing now.”

Today was the first event of the initiative. They do not have the next one planned yet, but AARP says to watch out for more workshops and speakers at UNCW in the next few months.