Mayors, County Officials to Discuss Needs of Local Seniors

Fairfax City has a considerable number of seniors among its residents - and that number is expected to grow considerably in the coming years.

Therefore, Mayor Scott Silverthorne, along with Fairfax County Providence District Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth and Falls Church Mayor Nader Baroukh, will host a public discussion Monday on how to better serve the county's and cities' aging population.

The discussion is one of several that Fairfax County-area municipalities are hosting this summer on the issue. Other workshops are scheduled in Herndon, McLean, Annandale, Springfield and Falls Church in the coming weeks.

Silverthorne said the issue is one that greatly impacts Fairfax City.

"Twelve to 13 percent of the population of the City is seniors," he said. "That's higher than the county and Falls Church City on average."

He added, Fairfax City's median age is also higher, on average.

"Therefore, we felt it important to partner with the County on this program to address a lot of what you'd call the growing needs of our senior population in the county and City of Fairfax."

The discussion will cover several important key topics, Silverthorne said, and solicit the public's feedback.

One issue is "aging in place." Silverthorne said, demand among area seniors is growing to age in place, or remain in their homes rather than have to move to a retirement home or nursing home, or move in with family members. Therefore, a portion of the discussion will focus on issues related to helping seniors with services they need to be able to do that.

Going along with that issue, however, is access to transportation for seniors.

"There are currently two free buses [that are in operation] for seniors, but we're looking at what else needs to be done in that arena," he said, such as services seniors can call for transportation in emergencies.

Another key issue is affordable housing for seniors.

"Senior housing continues to be a hot topic," he said, as well as simpler, senior-friendly housing that complements their needs, such as one-floor homes that are easier to move around.

Other issues include helping seniors live a healthier lifestyle, and encouraging them to stay engaged in their community.

"One thing we've noticed, when we take a look at all our City commissions and committees, is that they're predominantly made up of seniors," he said. "Whether that's because they realize the importance of staying involved, or because they have more flexibility in their time, perhaps because they're retired - we just want them to stay engaged in their community."

Overall, Silverthorne said, "We want input and feedback on how we can better serve our senior citizens in the City of Fairfax and the greater northern Virginia community."

The meeting will take place this Monday, June 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Luther Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road in Fairfax. Refreshments will be served during the forum.

Those who cannot attend any of the forums this summer can also send feedback on the issues by e-mail to DFSCommunity@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling 703-324-5411, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

What issues do you think are most important in making Fairfax City and the surrounding communities more senior-friendly? Tell us in the comments.

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