Senior care providers in central Virginia and the valley are pouring over the results of a new survey of baby boomers. It shows many of our neighbors don't think our communities are prepared for an aging population.
This is the first statewide survey in 30 years to measure how seniors and boomers feel about their community's quality of life. It is helping aging agencies in central Virginia improve services for the future.
Sallie Morris spends every day she can with her pals at the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA). She is proudly celebrating her 76 years and says that she has been coming to JABA for 11 years.
"A lot of people don't like to grow old, but I do," said Morris.
She believes Charlottesville is the place to grow old - and she's not alone. A new statewide survey breaks down how ready baby boomers feel their communities are for the so-called age wave.
Gordon Walker of JABA said, "People tend to think our local communities are doing a pretty good job preparing for that inevitable demographic change."
Old Dominion Partnership's Age Ready survey finds seniors in central Virginia are much more familiar with their aging agency, JABA, than most people are in other parts of the commonwealth.
In central Virginia, 58 percent rate their quality of life as excellent. However, 16 percent say they make major sacrifices to afford staying in their home - that's double the state average.
"In the shadows of our community's wealth, there's a growing number of older people having a very difficult time," said Walker.
In the valley, 60 percent of seniors say they're satisfied with their health. That is lower than the state average. The number of people making major sacrifices to afford housing is three times the state average.
In addition, just 69 percent of valley seniors over the age of 65 are fully retired, compared to 82 percent statewide. The economy has forced many of them back to work.
"We need to do a much better job I think making certain everybody has access to adequate food, housing, and healthcare," said Walker.
Morris credits the community's support for helping her unlock the secret to successful aging. "Keep yourself busy, keep yourself going," she advised.
Valley Program for Aging Services is using the results of this survey to develop its new strategic plan.
Click here to view the ODP Age Ready Survey for JABA.
Click here to view the ODP Age Ready Survey for VPAS.
