The 65 and older population is growing in Forsyth County

Forsyth County's senior citizen population is growing. 

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the number of residents 65 and over rose by about 9,000 people just in the five year period between 2014 and 2019. They now make up about 16 percent of the county's overall population.

In addition to older folks moving here, people in the area are staying healthy. 

That's according to Linda Lewis, the associate executive director of the Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem, an interfaith ministry for aging individuals. She says this may have to do with our health care systems. 

“I think because of good health care, people are living longer, well into their eighties, nineties and beyond, and that too is contributing to this shift of older adults,” she says.

There are many reasons seniors say they like the area. A study by Forsyth Futures found that older people's positive feelings about the area include the availability of food options, their ability to influence decision-making, and an overall sense of safety.