The seniors are coming! The seniors are coming!

The seniors are not only coming, they are already here. In fact, for the first time in history, the population age 65+ is greater than the population of children under age 5, and that trend is projected to keep on growing.

The term “Silver Tsunami” was coined to describe the anticipated retirement of the Baby Boomers. The growth in this population can be seen in the numerous new senior living communities sprouting up in many communities, and the number of commercials targeting older people. Aging is now big business.

But the Baby Boomers are not going quietly into old age. With Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney and others leading the way, this crop of seniors is more physically and intellectually active than ever before. Bay Village created the BV60+ group to serve this more active crowd, with programs and outings that are tailored to their demands, from kayaking and pickle ball to concerts and plays.

The population in Bay Village is already a few years older than the national average, and will likely grow even older, as 95% of older adults want to stay in their own home as they age. The Community Services department is working to understand what services the city may want to offer, in anticipation of this population change.

At the same time, the staff of the Bay Village Senior Center is busy planning programs for next year. We are working to expand our educational and cultural programs to meet the demands of our current generation of seniors, as they, too, value learning and growing as lifelong endeavors. Senior centers are the cornerstone for healthy aging in a community, and Bay Village welcomes the growth to come.

For information about the Bay Village Senior Center or the BV60+ group, please contact me at lselig@cityofbayvillage.com, or 440-899-3409.