According to a recent report by Forbes, the Raleigh-Cary Metro area has the second fastest-growing senior population in America. One reason for that is Wake County’s caring individuals, businesses and organizations that support seniors.

Which senior supporter is your hero?

Nominations are now being accepted for the SearStone retirement community’s second annual Ageless Hero Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that provide exemplary service, support and opportunities to Wake County seniors.

“Our inaugural Ageless Hero Awards program last year was very successful,” said Chris Romick, SearStone executive director. “We hope to build momentum and make this the most prestigious senior-related awards program in Wake County. We encourage everyone to nominate worthy candidates.”

Nominations will be accepted through April 17 via searstone.com/hero or at SearStone’s Winston Clubhouse, located at 17001 SearStone Drive in Cary.

Categories are:

Ageless Hero of the Year, an individual age 55+ who has made an indelible mark on our community

Ageless Hero Student of the Year, a middle- or high-school-aged student who has improved the lives of Wake County seniors

Ageless Hero Business of the Year, an organization that is not primarily senior-focused but that has made outstanding contributions to area seniors

Ageless Hero Person of the Year, an individual of any age who has made exemplary contributions to area seniors

Ageless Hero Lifetime Achievement Award, an individual or business that has made long-term contributions to area seniors

Winners will be announced at a gala Awards Banquet on May 17 from 5 to 9 p.m., emceed by UNC-TV reporter and producer Julia Carpenter and featuring a keynote address from the N.C. Rep. Gale Adcock of Cary.

Banquet tickets are $40 and are available by calling 1-866-843-7534 or at http://bit.ly/1Lr5eiZ. Proceeds will go toward a scholarship for the Student of the Year winner.