Suburbia goes gray with baby boomers

Photo Credit:  Transportation for America

As you may know, Norbeck Road is home to many suburban neighborhoods with increasing numbers of elderly residents.  Did you know that a recent AARP study found that 88 percent of older Americans want to stay in their suburban homes as they age?  Where are those homes?  Unfortunately, most are located in auto-dependent suburbs.

If this poll turns out to be true, then many of those residents who live in suburbia, especially along roads similar to Norbeck will find themselves increasingly isolated as they lose their ability to drive and realize that there are no sidewalks or pedestrian paths to enable non-motorized travel.  Granted, elderly residents may not walk or bike several miles to their destinations, but at least they would enjoy the opportunity to walk several blocks on a dedicated pedestrian-bike path.  This mobility would allow elderly residents to maintain their independence and physical activity, keep up their energy and positive spirits, and continue social interactions with friends and neighbors. 

On a related note, the Washington Post recently published an article titled, "If Baby Boomers Stay in Suburbs, there could be Political and Cultural Ramifications" regarding the rapidly changing demographics of suburbia.  Interestingly, 17 of the 25 states with the highest concentrations of elderly residents are cold-weather states, not the sunny climates of Florida and Arizona, as one would expect. 

In fact, local planners predict that most elderly residents in Washington D.C.'s suburbs will stay put instead of moving to Florida and Arizona.  As a result, local governments will be faced with the daunting task of accommodating an aging population.  In Virginia, Fairfax County has already stepped up to the plate with its "50 Plus Action Plan."  The County is converting all of its pedestrian traffic signals to countdown timers so people can gauge whether they have enough time to cross.

According to a report released by Transportation for America titled, “Aging in Place: Stuck Without Options”:

Absent access to affordable travel options, seniors face isolation, a reduced quality of life and possible economic hardship. A 2004 study found that seniors age 65 and older who no longer drive make 15 percent fewer trips to the doctor, 59 percent fewer trips to shop or eat out, and 65 percent fewer trips to visit friends and family, than drivers of the same age.

The report found that in 2015, just a few short years away, 15.5 million seniors will find themselves without transportation options.  This is another reason why we need to improve pedestrian and bike safety on Norbeck Road to ensure our residents can maintain their independence, physical activity, social interaction, and mobility into their golden years.