Rockbridge County adjusts
to increase in elderly population
The Rockbridge area is graying as it's growing. U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that the number of people aged 65 and older rose 14 percent in Rockbridge County from 2000 to 2006.
Local residents are responsible for some of the growth, but many people move to the Rockbridge area because of its geography, size, climate and culture. In 2005, Consumer Reports declared Lexington one of the six best cities for retirees based on climate, housing and entertainment.
Ruth Woodcock and her husband moved to Kendal, a retirement community in Lexington, 10 years ago from Cape Cod. Woodcock said they were drawn by the Kendal name and the short waiting list, as well by as the presence of Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute.
"We really liked the idea of a small town," said Woodcock, a former resident of New York City.
Woodcock frequently attends concerts at W&L and sings in the Rockbridge Choral Society.
Chamber of Commerce Director Sammy Moore said seniors help the region in many ways.
"The maturing population adds a lot to the area, not just in retail sales, but [patronizing] restaurants and culture," Moore said.
Many who move to Rockbridge County at retirement are financially comfortable, said James F. Brown, a Realtor who handles upscale properties. Brown estimates that more than three fourths of his sales are to retirees. Brown said the influx of retirees started in the mid-1990s.
Despite Brown's estimate, the retirement community as a whole spans the socio-economic spectrum, according to Jeri Schaff, director of the Maury River Senior Center in Buena Vista. Schaff says many seniors live on as little as $700 a month and list sufficient income as a big challenge.
To many residents, though, the biggest challenge is the lack of public transportation. The Rockbridge Area Transportation System, a not-for-profit organization, provides transport for seniors who no longer drive or who have trouble traversing the county. However, many say the service is underfunded and stretched thin. Kendal provides buses for its residents to certain events, such as the ones planned four times a year with the Senior Center.
Charlotte Sibold, marketing director for Kendal, said about 60 percent of its residents come from outside Rockbridge County. Kendal is already building an addition, which will allow the community to add more specialized medical care.
Mary Coulling, who now lives at Kendal, has lived in the Rockbridge area for 50 years. Coulling says many retirees are drawn to the area because of its scenery and the colleges. The opening of Kendal in 2000 allowed her and her husband to stay in Lexington, close to their friends, doctors and W&L, where her husband taught for 35 years.
Sibold said about 15 to 20 percent of Kendal residents are connected to either W&L or VMI. She said the presence of the colleges is a big draw because of the accompanying arts and culture opportunities. Retired and current professors at the schools sometimes teach classes at Kendal, and residents can audit W&L classes at no cost.
Sibold added that today many are retiring at younger ages, sometimes in their mid-50s. Retirees at Kendal remain active by participating in community activities, attending classes and volunteering.
Regarding the future, Schaff echoed a sentiment shared by many.
"It's going to be very interesting to see what happens when the baby boomers retire," she said.
Produced by
Washington and Lee
journalism students.
Lead Supervisors:
Prof. Brian
Richardson
Prof. Phylissa
Mitchell
Editing supervisor:
Prof. Doug
Cumming
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd