Politics & Government

Confronting the Graying of McLean, Fairfax County

Senior Citizens Fastest Growing Part of Fairfax Population

Fairfax County residents 70 and older are the fastest growing segment of the county's population, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust told the McLean Rotary this week. McLean and Great Falls are leading the graying of the county.

That's why Foust said he has  organized a council on aging for McLean, Great Falls and Herndon, all located in his district, to begin looking at the implications of thousands of Baby Boomers aging throughout the county.

  • Senior citizens are now nearly percent of the county's 1 million residents. In less than 20 years they will be nearly 25 percent. Meanwhile, those 20 and younger, now nearly 30 percent, will fall to 25 percent, according to a recent Fairfax County report on the county's rapidly changing demographics.
  • Now there are 6.7 workers for each retiree. In less than 20 years, there will be 4.8 workers to each retiree.  That means fewer folks paying for more services needed by seniors on fixed incomes. These numbers have amazing implications for county services, the county's tax base and the retirees themselves.

"We are aware that the people of Fairfax County are aging very quickly," Foust said, after the meeting. "Most people don't want to give up their homes. We are looking for what people need and would be willing to do," he said.

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The council, which held its first organizing meeting in May, includes representatives from churches, nonprofit organizations and county agencies for the aging, he said.

"There is so much you can do to help them, for people who don't want to leave home," he said. "As our population ages, we should ensure that there are services and opportunities for county residents to contribute to the community and fully enjoy their senior years," said Foust, who is running for re-election.

Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The aging issue was one of several Foust discussed. The Rotary had asked him for updates on the major issues facing McLean. Other highlights:

  • All that construction at the Spring Hill Recreation Center on Lewinsville Road  is the building of a new turf field and the controversial new entrance to the Recreation Center, Foust said.
  • Foust raved about the opening of the new "Liberty" swing at McLean's Clemyjontri Park. The swing allows those in wheelchairs to experience the thrill of swinging.
  • The new Lewinsville Road bridge over the Capital Beltway should open this summer. "We're just waiting for the utilities to be moved," Foust said. The new bridge is part of the new HOT lanes project. These are toll lanes now under construction down the center of the Beltway. As part of that project, every bridge over the Capital Beltway from Springfield to the Potomac River is being replaced.

"Supervisor Foust is a mover and a shaker," said Rotary president Glenn Yarborough. "His efforts for the Dranesville District are superb. His presentation to Rotary was candid, and, above all, very well received."


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