Growing old; new realities

A new study by Qian Cai in The Virginia News Letter, "Virginia's Diverse and Growing Older Population," examines the changing demographics and resulting societal, economic, and public policy implications. Because of advances over mortality and a lower fertility rate, persons over 65 will double to 1.8 million and become about 19% (up from 12% today) of the state's population over the next two decades.

Obviously, federal programs such as Social Security and Medicare will be impacted. So too, will state and local policies concerning seniors including suitable housing, public transportation, recreation, availability of health care services. Family structures may change, for example baby boomers had fewer children and often had them in their 20s and 30s meaning there are fewer children to take care of aging parents and those children will be more likely to still be raising and educating their own children.

While the greatest number of seniors will be found in urban communities like NOVA, Hampton Roads, and the Richmond metro area, some rural areas will have a greater percentage of seniors. The Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula, Highland County, and Covington are among the localities expected to have a high percentage of older residents. Consider the consequences for availability of medical care and transportation in those areas. Another finding - poverty rates are higher among rural seniors.

There is much more to be found in this comprehensive report. As we elect a new Governor and House of Delegates, it is critical that the issues that will arise because of the Commonwealth's changing demographics be part of the discussion today. Voters and candidates will be wise to think and plan long-term if our seniors of today and tomorrow are to enjoy a life of dignity. Younger voters, you are in this too - you will be the taxpayers who will pay for it.

The Virginia News Letter is a publication of the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

Hoos risin'

Being a fan of the University of Virginia can sometimes be tough, especially if you focus on the big name sports of football and men's basketball. In the world of UVA football, a big surprise win one Saturday is often followed by a disappointing loss the next. A few years back, I finally gave up the live-or-die by the latest game mentality - and have been a happier, if a bit less passionate fan. Basketball has mostly been a downer the past couple of years, but I have my hopes for the new coach, the style of play he'll bring, and the players he'll recruit. We should all give him several seasons of breathing space to put a successful program together.

Springtime, however, is bright for the Hoos where a number of the teams are nationally ranked and provide some of the most exciting sports in the Commonwealth.

• Men's tennis is ranked #1
• Baseball is ranked #11
• Women's lacrosse is ranked #9
• Men's lacrosse is ranked #4 and has been #1
• Women's golf is #3
• Women's rowing is #15

Men's lacrosse coach, Dom Starsia, seems in awe of the Cavaliers' across-the-board successes:

This spring has been astonishing in a lot of ways. It does create a competitive atmosphere that is healthy for everybody.

UVA has done it with hard work by athletes, quality coaches, and providing full funding for all sports. That means teams have full coaching staffs and the maximum number of scholarships for every sport. Donors put up big bucks to build a baseball stadium and indoor tennis facility, among other improvements, that didn't make the headlines of JPJ Arena or Scott Stadium. It wasn't always this way - as recently as 2001 a UVA committee recommended dropping baseball and men's tennis to club status. There's more in Spring Sports Flourishing at Virginia.

It seems to me that UVA athletics is doing many things right and successes will also bloom in the marquee sports that grab fans' attention. I'm waiting for that year when I can just smile, or smirk, when I greet one of my many friends who are rabid VA Tech supporters. ;>)

Happy Birthday TJ

Happy 266th Birthday, Mr. Jefferson!

On this date in 1643 our 3rd president, author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, was born in Albemarle County, Virginia. A birthday celebration is planned at Monticello this afternoon.

I've sometimes wondered what Mr. Jefferson would think if we could bring him back to observe and comment on the United States of America in 2009.

• He'd likely be very surprised and very proud of Barack Obama in the White House.
• He'd be appalled about the undue role of religion in the public sqaure.
• He'd marvel at the progress of science but be shocked at those who use ideology to question its findings.
• He'd be proud of his university, but (after learning the games) probably wish UVA would achieve more success on the football field and basketball court.
• He'd be dismayed at the Bush administration's dismantling of our constitutional rights.
• He'd offer suggestions (based on his own experience) for dealing with piracy on the high seas.

On this his birthday, it is instructive to read what he deemed the important accomplishments of his life. Jefferson died at Monticello on the 5oth Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. His epitaph:

HERE WAS BURIED

THOMAS JEFFERSON

AUTHOR OF THE

DECLARATION

OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

OF THE

STATUTE OF VIRGINIA

FOR

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

AND FATHER OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

BORN APRIL 2, 1743 O.S.

DIED JULY 4, 1826

More on Thomas Jefferson in his Official White House Biography and on Wikipedia.

What do you think would shock, amuse, or pleasantly surprise Mr. Jefferson if he walked among us today?