| Older Dominion Partnership |
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The Older Dominion Partnership (ODP) is a non-profit initiative by Virginia business, government, foundations, and non-profits to help Virginia prepare for the age wave -- the doubling of the Commonwealth's 65+ year old population from ~900,000 today to over ~1.8 million by 2030. The ODP serves as an inspiration, catalyst, and independent platform for networking, collaborating and planning.
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| Call for Ideas! |
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What kinds of articles or information would you like to see in this newsletter or on the ODP Web site? See what we are doing at
www.olderdominion.org
and make suggestions.
We gladly accept articles for publication in this e-Newsletter. Please send them to administrator @olderdominion.org
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Member Profile 
Meet Kelly L. Hellmuth, Associate Attorney, McGuireWoods LLP and ODP Board Member.
Quote: "Reach out to all age groups to recruit their involvement in the
planning process. Boomers have a vested interest in this topic, but
the younger generations also need to realize that the age wave will
provide numerous opportunities as the health care industry expands its
market share of the economy in order to meet the needs of the Boomers." Read the profile.
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Articles & Reports
Singapore Trains Caregivers in Practical Skills
Singapore, an affluent East Asian nation, is dealing with many of the same Age Wave issues as the United States, including an increasing need to assist older adults who have difficulty living independently but don't need hospitalization. NTUC Eldercare, an operator of social day care centers for the elderly, has established a program to train staff in "step-down care." The first class of 29 graduated recently with certificates in "Community Home Care Giving Skills." Read more.
What it means: While there are programs in place in Virginia that support family caregivers, NTUC's program could provide a model to follow for a caregiver certification here in the Old Dominion.
Playgrounds for the Elderly
Japanese playgrounds are trading in their swing sets and see-saws for balance beams and climbing frames. The number of children in low-fertility Japan is shrinking but the number of people over 65 is growing fast. Local governments across Japan are converting children's playgrounds into facilities where older adults can socialize and exercise. The Association of Physical Fitness Promotion and Guidance conducts about 50 elderly workout classes across Japan. Read more.
What it means: As the world's oldest society, Japan is ahead of the curve -- devising solutions for the Age Wave that Virginians may want to emulate. Local departments of Parks & Recreation need to begin thinking now how to adapt their facilities for the special needs of older adults.
Boomers Still in Denial About Retirement
Like other Americans, Baby Boomers saw last year's housing and stock market melt-down as a wake-up call to mend their financial ways. Many acknowledge in consumer surveys that they expect to spend less, pay down debt and save more. But there seems to be a gap between intentions and actions. A recent Wells Fargo retirement fitness survey found that only 23% of pre-retirees are actually saving more, while 20% are saving less. Also, Boomers are over-estimating the returns they can realistically expect to generate on their investments, and they have saved only $300,000 on average of the $800,000 they expect they will need to retire comfortably. Read more.
What it means: Boomers are doing a terrible job of saving for their retirement. Lacking the financial means to maintain their independence, many will throw themselves upon the mercies of family and community caregivers. Virginia communities are bracing for the Age Wave, but the burden on not-for-profits may be bigger than anyone now imagines.
Here Come the Boomers
Take a look at the next generation of older Americans: the Baby Boomers. Using 2006 data, the U.S. Census Bureau has taken a snapshot of this ginormous generation. Some highlights:
- 1.5% of Boomers live in a Group Quarters facility
- 65.6% are married, 2.7% widowed, 17% divorced, 3.0% separated, and 11.7% never married
- 28.8% have B.A. degrees or higher
- 85.7% are native born
- 16.7% suffer a disability
To view as Census Bureau PowerPoint presentation on selected Boomer demographic characteristics click here.
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ODP Fall Meeting Materials Available for Download
In case you missed it, the Older Dominion Partnership held a membership-wide meeting Nov. 5 at the Richmond Times-Dispatch. About 100 people discussed the ODP's efforts and its progress and hopes for the future. For meeting materials and downloads click here.
Lynchburg Region 2000 Summit on Age Wave Meeting Materials Available for Download
On Nov. 20 at Lynchburg College, a planning session for community leaders and service providers in Central
Virginia was held to prepare for the doubling of our senior population over the
next decade. For meeting materials and downloads click here.
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