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5 <br />Introduction <br />With the advancements in medicine and technology, we are seeing an <br />explosion in the numbers of elderly in our nation. As of the year 2004, 9 percent of <br />the Orange County population was 65 years and older.l With a projected increase <br />for 2020 of 4 years to the median age in 2000 (30.4 years), it is becoming <br />increasingly apparent that we must plan and address the needs of this growing <br />segment of the population.2 In the age of multiple generations, there is a growing <br />number of retirees who are contributing human resources. At the same time, there <br />is an increase in the number of persons living to an advanced age in declining health <br />and limited function. The Master Aging Plan (MAP) demonstrates the county's <br />recognition of and desire to meet the needs of older persons. With the <br />development of A Bill of Rights for older persons and attention being given to <br />crucial issues, such as mobility, advocacy, transitional care, and security, it is <br />exciting to imagine the possibilities for Orange County. May this report on the <br />community forum assist the MAP steering committee in addressing the articulated <br />needs and interests of the residents. Moreover, may it inspire the community to <br />protect and promote the quality of life for older Orange County persons. <br />1U.5. Census Bureau. State and County Quick Facts. Orange County, North Carolinn. Retrieved <br />November 4, 2006 from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37135.html. <br />ZOrange County, North Carolina Economic Development Commission. Demographics. Retrieved <br />November 4, 2006 from http://www.co.orange.nc.us/ecodev/stats/demogrph.htm <br />Page 2 of 18 <br />