In just 20 years, Wake County commissioners learned Monday, the population of those 65 and older will rise by a projected 200 percent. That means that there will be a monumental need for more assisted living housing, nursing home care and related services. Given the anticipated demands on an already pinched public purse, the county is playing catch-up.
Gail Holden, in charge of Wake County's services for seniors, casts the coming situation as nothing less than a crisis. Government and private industry must work together to ensure that the county is ready.
For it's important to remember that a larger number of seniors can be a tremendous benefit for any community, as many of these folks continue to work and participate and lead in a number of activities. Yes, their need for services must be met, but on balance this should be a positive and enhancing trend for this area.
