In January, the Arlington County Board launched Vision 2050, an initiative inviting residents to share their hopes for what they want Arlington to be like in 26 years. The county aims to distill the “Postcards from the Future” responses into collective vision frameworks that set all Arlington residents up for success by 2050.
Demographic trends make it clear that the needs of older adults must be a priority in a vision and framework for the future. Older adults age 65 and up comprise an increasing portion of our population – and this trend will continue. Nationwide, by 2034, seniors are expected to outnumber children under 18. Northern Virginia has some of the fastest growth in older adults in the nation; residents 65+ increased by 60% between 2010 and 2020.
Arlington is currently home to 27,450 adults 65 and up – 11 perent of the population. County data project that from 2020-2040, the number of seniors will increase by 28 percent. As a community, it’s critical we consider this sector’s unique housing and social needs as we construct our vision for how Arlingtonians will live, work and thrive in 2050.
Arlington’s Age Friendly Plan, which was adopted by the County Board in 2020, reports that 90% of older adults wish to age in place. While aging in place is a strong preference, it comes with financial, practical and social challenges that are exacerbated by the high cost of living and housing prices. Older Arlingtonians need $2,700 to $4,800/month for housing, food, transportation and medical expenses, not including long-term care (www.elderindex.org).
One in 10 seniors in Arlington live below the poverty line and 57% of senior households are “rent burdened” with over 30% of their income going to housing (www.healthierarlington.org). Rent-burdened older adults often must sacrifice a basic need like medical care, food or prescriptions to make ends meet.
Older adults who want to age as they wish, need – and deserve – support to keep them safe and connected to the community. As we age, tasks like driving or changing a lightbulb can become difficult or unsafe. It is easy to become socially isolated. According to the Surgeon General, a lack of social connection can result in a 29 percent increased risk of heart disease, a 32 percent increased risk of stroke and a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
The data compel an approach that accounts for older Arlingtonians’ needs for affordable housing, social engagement and support services that are available to all, regardless of income.
There are challenges facing a rapidly growing senior population in Arlington, but they are not insurmountable. Arlington County and nonprofits serving older adults are working to find solutions. Arlington Neighborhood Village (www.ANVarlington.org) helps older adults age in place with volunteer help, social support and connection to the community. Forty percent of village membership is lower-income and receiving some of the support they need to live independently.
Arlington needs more affordable support for aging, which needs to be a part of Vision 2050. Working together, we can create an Arlington where older residents of all abilities, races, cultures and means can age with dignity in a caring community.
