A sizable baby boomer population combined with an abundant number of services for seniors is projected to make Montgomery County a booming center for seniors over the next decade.
By 2020, experts are predicting, the county will experience a 50 percent surge in its already 100,000-plus residents aged 65 and older — the largest growth rate in the state — which is why officials are working on a plan to ready the county for this dramatic shift.
Starting next month, the Area Council on Aging is holding a series of community forums to get the public’s views on ways to meet the challenges of an ever-increasing older segment.
"We’re basically looking for input, not only to address issues they see as crucial, but also to find out what they think the county can do to become an elder-friendly community," said Elizabeth Boehner, the county agency’s director.
Some of the bigger challenges anticipated affect not just the elderly, but all Montgomery residents, she said.
For instance, there’s a need to try to keep senior citizens driving as long as possible because if they can’t drive themselves, there will be a disproportionate demand for public transportation.
With extra older drivers on the road, though, it’s important to consider that more than half of seniors’ crashes occur when the person is making a left turn.
"Maybe we need to make sure we don’t have major intersections without a turning light," Boehner said. "But that’s one of those things we need to get input on."
Similarly, with more older pedestrians crossing streets, a natural idea would be to increase the allowable time for crossing, but this could have a major impact on traffic flow, she noted.
In terms of resources, Montgomery County has pushed — and will only have to keep pushing — to keepup with the growth. For example, in the mid-1980s, there were 20 assisted living facilities in the county; there are now 140.
Seniors also can leaf through a 100-page resource guide listing several activities.
"When people think of seniors, they think of frail, old, poor people. And that’s not the case in Montgomery County or really anywhere," Boehner said. "Most exercise and live active and fulfilling lives."
Mark your calendars
Forums to talk about Montgomery County’s senior population:
Friday Sept. 15
1 to 3 p.m. at the Scheinhaut Senior Center in Silver Spring
Wednesday, Sept. 20
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Upper Co. Community Center in Gaithersburg
Wednesday Sept. 27
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
Tuesday, Oct. 10
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Executive Office Building in Rockville
Friday, Oct. 13
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Long Branch Senior Center in Silver Spring
