Lorelei Elkins October 2,2015 KNOW THE CODE! Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

Older Adults Why Focus on Older Adults? No existing campaign Identified as a “Sensitive Group” Growth of older population in NC More active older population

Older Adults  Older adult population in the US was 41.4 million in  Population projected to be 83.7 million in  About 45% of reported that they engage in regular leisure-time physical activity.  NC ranks 9 th in the population 60 and older. Source: US Census An Aging Nation Report May 2014

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2012 Source: NC State Data Center

More People 60+ than 0-17, 2025 Source: NC State Data Center

Air Pollution and Your Health How to protect yourself? Know the Code (AQI)

Effects:  Chronic bronchitis and other lung diseases  Abdominal mucus production  Premature aging of the lungs  Narrowing of the airways  Decreased air flow  Increase in white blood cells  Fluid accumulation and swelling  Death and shedding of the cells that line the airways Air Pollution and Your Lungs

Air Pollution and Your Heart 8 Effects:  Unusual fatigue  Low oxygen in red blood cells  Vascular inflammation  Increased risk of blood clot  Narrowing of vessels  Increased risk of plaque rupture in arteries

Simple Steps to Protect Your Health  Plan outdoor activities for the morning or early evening.  Adjust when and where you exercise.  Reduce an activity that requires heavy exertion to one with moderate exertion.  KNOW THE CODE!

Air Quality Forecast (code) Air Quality IndexMeaning Good Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no concern. Go outside and enjoy the day! Moderate There may be a moderate health concern for people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Older adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Unhealthy Older adults, children, active people, and those with heart or lung disease may experience more serious health effects. Everyone may experience health effects. Limit prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. Very UnhealthyEveryone is likely to be affected. Avoid all outdoors exertion.

How do you get the Forecast? EPA: RU4NCAIR ( ) EnviroFlash: Air quality forecast to your inbox Get the “app” for your phone

KNOW THE CODE! Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults

Outreach to Older Adults  Increase awareness and use of our air quality forecast system (code) to help older adults in North Carolina better plan their outdoor activities and take steps to protect their health.  Conduct outreach and education to older adults (Direct).  Establish relationships with businesses and organizations that provide services to older adults (Indirect). Goal Basic Objectives

Indirect Outreach  NC Division of Aging and Adult Services  Area Agencies on Aging  NC Senior Games  NC Association on Aging  NC Division of Public Health  UNC Chapel Hill Institute for the Environment

Direct Outreach Educational Materials:  Informational card  Brochure  Pamphlet  Poster Everything is free! Promotional Materials:  Bookmarks  Magnets Presentations:  DAQ staff  Do-it-yourself

Thank you! Shannon Culpepper NC Division of Air Quality Phone: (919) Lorelei Elkins (Triad Region) (336) Air Quality Outreach to Older Adults