We all feel it – even if we choose to ignore it: Aging is a fact to be reckoned with. As we age, our independence is threatened.

For some, a change in situation (e.g., a loss of a job, illness) can lead to a change of residence.

We wanted to know what challenges/fears PKS residents have to overcome as well as those they anticipate as they get older and want to continue living here.

In a March meeting, Brian Kramer, John Brodman, Charlie Rocci and I agreed to keep the conversations going that began in 2014 when the PKS Board of Commissioners resolved to support Pine Knoll Shores as an ‘Age Friendly Community’ and the pre-Covid traditions of the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee.

Importantly, we want to move forward with community input. We all agreed that challenges are best met when like-minded individuals come together and work toward a shared vision.

The Survey

In May 2022, a single question survey was emailed to all who have requested to be on the town manager’s all hands email list.

Nine-percent of the 1800 (139 residents) chose to share their answers. As we were interested in creating a comprehensive list of issues, we wanted to hear from everyone – all ages, full time residents and part time, caregivers and residents in need.

Ages ranged from 11 y.o. to 65+ (average age was 68).

The question was designed to identify barriers to staying in PKS as we age: What challenges have you faced – or anticipate – that would interfere with your ability to age successfully in this community?

Grouping like comments suggested 6 broad categories shown here in order of the most often mentioned to the least.

Mobility/Transportation

Issues related to mobility/accessibility in and around town, the island and off island. Individuals expressed a strong need for regular/scheduled ‘public’ transportation to doctor appointments, pharmacy pick-ups, veterinary appointments and grocery shopping. Not only was the need related to basic requirements, but to social opportunities as well. While several currently face the challenge of getting around, many fear the loss of driving privileges as they age.

Safety In/Around Town

Comments related to mobility/safety in and around town.

Responses referenced the need for sidewalks and crosswalks on Rte. 58.

Our beach is a key feature of living here; safely going and coming to the beach is top of mind.

The expressed challenge: ‘Being able to walk to the beach safely without the availability of a sidewalk or a wide flat surface on Salter Path Rd. to access the crosswalk.’

There was also an interest in marked bike lanes and several mentioned a general safety concern for children. Perceptions are that increased traffic has complicated walking safely.

Healthcare Options

Residents commenting on this topic were critical of local medical offerings.

They want more specialists, more trauma care options, and more professional health care workers nearby.

One resident expressed a fear that he may need mental health care as he aged and it would be difficult to find.

Obviously, transportation issues play a role in the need for access to sought after medical care.

Home and Yard Maintenance

Of all the issues, this may be the easiest to impact.

Property owners have a variety of needs related to their home, e.g., storm preparation and recovery, reliable/affordable indoor and outdoor maintenance, getting trash containers to the road, and even needing help understanding building regulations.

Social Isolation

Eleven of the 139 respondents fear or are experiencing social isolation.

Most often cited in this regard is the lack of a community center where residents can casually gather with emphasis more on interaction with neighbors than specific activities.

Some see a community center as an alternative to the more expensive local country club.

Left to themselves, some find it difficult to meet others while some respondents note in the number of full-time residents to look out for each other.

Taxes and Insurance Cost Concerns

Increasing taxes/property taxes and the cost of living in general were mentioned specifically.

With the survey results in hand, 8 full time residents of the community – a mix of men and women, newcomers and long-term homeowners – came together to discuss the category groupings and responses to add a depth of understanding to the issues.

Drawing on their personal experiences and knowledge of community resources, each contributed to a discussion o