Bon Secours Rappahannock General Hospital is holding Senior University, a free educational and supportive event for older residents and their caregivers, Wednesday, August 9, 8:30 am-2:00 pm at White Stone Church of the Nazarene (57 Whisk Dr, White Stone). The event will feature a range of information from medical professionals as well as from local nonprofits and businesses about health and well-being. Other features are free breakfast and lunch, health screenings, refreshments, door prizes, giveaways, and more. Registration is required. Register online or by phone, (804) 287-7700.
Why does this event matter? Nearly 25,000 people aged 50 and older lived on the Northern Neck during the 2010 Census. Those aged 60 and older numbered 16,715. Those aged 65 and older numbered 12,595. The population of the Northern Neck is older rather than younger as the chart, below, shows. (Details are in Age 50 and Older Population Numbers by County) More recent data, from the 2011-2015 American Community Survey, generally supports this. The median age is somewhat above 50 in Lancaster and Northumberland counties, and just under 50 in Richmond and Westmoreland counties.
Caregivers are common in the lives of many older people. Caregivers may be family, friends, acquaintances, or hired on. They may be paid or volunteer. Providing caregivers with an opportunity to learn new information and about new programs, as well as to network with other caregivers or medical professionals is worthwhile. Senior University is such an opportunity.
