N orth Carolina has continually ranked as one of the nation's top five retirement destinations for years, with the Greater Raleigh area welcoming its fair share of seniors. Housing options range from deluxe golf course communities, perfect for the younger tier of retirees still in robust health, to a variety of retirement communities, assisted living facilities, and skilled-nursing centers. The Encore Center, operated through NC State's Division of Continuing Education, is specifically geared to adults aged 50 and above. Most classes meet weekly and last six sessions, and some are available on educational television or on videocassette. Recent offerings include retirement strategies workshops, lectures on the Revolutionary War, and specialized computer classes.
Fees are nominal, and scholarships are available.
These annual games are open to anyone aged 55 or over. Competition is tiered, with regional winners eligible to participate in state finals. Athletic competitions, bracketed by age, are offered in individual sports, track and field, swimming, bowling, basketball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, billiards, croquet, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Artistic competitions in such areas as poetry, painting, comedy routines, and instrumental performances are also offered. Its primary goal is to help people remain independent and in their own homes as long as possible.