Already home to one of the highest populations by percentage of people 65 and older in Virginia, Waynesboro is projected to see even more seniors in coming years, state population experts say.
The Virginia Employment Commission and Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service predict senior citizens will make up close to one-third of the city’s population by 2030.
“There will be a lot of benefits and a lot of challenges,” with such a boom, said Melissa Crocker, chairwoman of the city’s Senior Advocacy Commission. “It’s important to keep both in mind.”
To that end, the commission will host its second annual senior forum at 5 p.m. tonight. The event will include speakers from agencies who support seniors, a fair with more than 15 informational booths and door prizes, Crocker said.
“It’s not just for the seniors themselves,” she said. “It’s for families, caregivers and children of older adults that need to learn about the resources available.”
Crocker stressed the importance of readying for an upcoming increase in the senior population.
“We need to recognize that this segment of the population is really going to grow and we need to do our homework to determine if we have the right infrastructure in place for them,” Crocker said.
She lists health care, disabled accessibility, housing and transportation as issues of growing concern.
“Housing is a big issue,” said Molly Hodge, a commission member. “They need some place they can afford after paying rent and utilities while living on a fixed income.”
“We need to make sure we look after their needs,” Councilman Mike Harris said.
Meanwhile, Crocker predicts the population shift will bring benefits to the broader community.
“Often overlooked are great things [seniors] can do for the community,” she said. “How willing they are to volunteer, give their time to mentor younger people and in some cases have expendable income to help the local economy.”
Mayor Frank Lucente echoed Crocker.
“It means we should have people here with a lot of experience and wherewithal to get things done,” he said. “They can really help the community and country by sharing their wealth of knowledge.”
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