5 Things to Know About Saturday's Forum on Aging in McLean

1. A varied group of community leaders have organized a Saturday afternoon forum to talk about the "issues of aging and accessibility in the community." In plain English, how will all of us aging Baby Boomers continue to live in McLean as we grow older? A lot of us don't want to move.

2. The purpose of the discussion to be held Saturday from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Capital One building: Whether aging in McLean or living with a disability, many residents and their caregivers are finding that staying in their home is a challenge due to accessibility and logistical issues.

Dranesvile Supervisor John Foust and the Rev. Gerald Hopkins, chairman of the Fairfax County Long Term Coordinating Care Council, have invited the public to join them to learn about innovative practices used by other neighborhoods in Fairfax County to address these issues.

“We need to identify what can be done to ensure that older residents and those with disabilities are able to enjoy safe, productive and fulfilling lives in our community for as long as possible,”  Foust said in a press release about the discussion.

3. Those attending will talk in small groups to identify challenges and to help craft a vision for aging McLean residents.

4.It's free. Attendees need to register in advance so organizers will know how many neighbors are coming. Foust convened a similar session in Herndon last year and it was very popular.

5. Senior citizens make up 17 percent of McLean's nearly 50,000 residents, but only 10 percent of the county's one million residents. McLean is graying faster than the rest of the county.

Now there are 6.7 workers for each retiree. In less than 20 years, there will be 4.8 workers to each retiree, according to a county report released in May. That means fewer folks paying for more services needed by seniors on fixed incomes.

Click here to register or call 703-288-5426. See you there.