Retirement News : Seniors : Healthy seniors mean more challenges

Healthy seniors mean more challenges

Date Added: 30-05-2005

The generation that brought us rock 'n' roll, protested the Vietnam War and ushered in the Sexual Revolution will start hitting 65 by 2011.

As the baby boomers age, local agencies – public and private -- are scrambling to address the implications of a doubled older population.

A Senior Lifestyle Expo in Leesburg this month showcased services from travel cruises and recreational activities to home modifications, continuing education and health care.

 
"Of course, there will be a big demand for services such as medical care and nursing," said Anne Edwards, division manager of the county's Area Agency on Aging, the public body charged with providing services to seniors.

"But the biggest shortage I see at present is still the lack of housing options and facilities for seniors," said Edwards.

Where there is a need, there is a market, and developers also now see housing seniors as a way around the usual local resistance to further residential development.

A recent study conducted by Virginia Tech estimates that "by 2020, more than one out of every four persons in this area will be age 60 or older."

Loudoun County is emerging as a retirement destination for many seniors, especially those from Washington and close-in suburbs who want to stay near family and friends but avoid the urban hustle and bustle.

The majority of retirees in the area are well-to-do and in good health. After all, this was the generation that promoted physical fitness and fad diets.

Most of them want to avoid the "seniors" or "nursing home" stigma. Some developers are catering to them with age-restricted developments offering country club atmospheres.

Leisure World at Lansdowne was the county's forerunner in giving the 55-plus crowd the kind of amenities the developer believed they wanted.

For IDI Corp., it turned out to be a grand slam.

The project started slowly but has blossomed. If you want to buy one of the condos in the fourth 11th-story building, you can sign up on the waiting list in August.

Three luxury four-story buildings are sold out.

More buildings – all 11-story high-rises – are in the plans.

The latest addition is a clubhouse to pamper residents. Nearby are a bank, store, beauty parlor, tennis courts plus golf on the Lansdowne Club.

There are about half-a-dozen similar communities in Loudoun but "most of them cater to the high end," said Edwards of the Area Agency on Aging.

Government usually welcomes senior developments, largely because of a perception that they don't require as many tax dollars as families with children. Still, they put demands on the system in terms of fire and rescue, emergency services and police protection.

Recreational activities also are important for active people with no job to fill the day.

The county's Senior Center at Cascades opened in 1999, after a strong push from private groups. Today, the place is stretching the seams with 1,500 members.

Other senior centers are open in Leesburg, Arcola and Purcellville.

All offer classes, clubs, games and special events. Most activities are free. Meals are a regular part of the day.

The county also offers a program that delivers meals to homebound seniors.

That's critical in a county where costs of living are rising.

"While only 5 percent of county seniors are at the poverty level," said the AAA's Edwards, "the standard of living is so high here that someone who is ostensibly not poor is actually having a tough time making ends meet.'

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