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Is Virginia an "Aging Society?"

  • Mutual Assurance Society
  • Jun 12
  • 3 min read

An older couple is standing on a porch looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.



The United Nations classifies a society as "aging" when more than 10% of its population is aged 60 and up. Is Virginia one of these? According to the 2020 census, it is.


One in five Virginians (22.6%) was aged 60+ in the 2020 Census. If Northern Virginia is removed from the equation, the figure increases to 25%.




Here are the regions by percentage of older adults:

Region

% of Population 60 and older

Northern Virginia

18.2%

Hampton Roads

21.6%

Central Virginia

23.2%

West Central

25.7%

Southside

30%

Southwest

30.4%

Eastern Shore

30.8%


What is Driving Population Changes?


Low birth rate is the primary driver of population aging. Natural increase (births minus deaths) has declined across the state, but most significantly in the Southside, Southwest, and Eastern Shore.


The challenge of a rising population age can be seen even more when looking at the distribution of the "oldest old," or those 85+ years. Across the Commonwealth, 1.8% of the population was aged 85 and older. The Eastern Shore, however, had the highest share, at 3.2% of its population in this range.


Percent and Number of Population 85+ Years by Region

Eastern

Southside

Valley

West Central

Southwest

Central

Hampton Roads

Northern

3.2%

2.6%

2.4%

2.3%

2.3%

1.8%

1.6%

1.3%

3,970

10,580

12,530

17,670

8,705

30,195

28,115

39,550


Working Longer


Nearly one-third (31.9%) of the 60+-aged population in Virginia was still in the workforce at the last census, compared to 26.4% in the 2010 census. This figure includes those employed and actively looking for jobs. In contrast to the 60+ population figures, more 60+ people were employed or still actively looking in the areas where they were the smallest % of the general population.


For example, in Northern Virginia, nearly 40% of the 60+ers were in the labor force, while only 20% participated in Southwest Virginia.


Percentage of 60+ Virginians Still In The Workforce by Region

Southwest

Southside

Eastern

West Central

Valley

Central

Hampton Roads

Northern

20%

24.7%

25.8%

26.6%

28.8%

32.1%

32.2%

38.4%

Of course, some of this can be linked to the employment opportunities available in each region. White-collar jobs are more prevalent in larger metropolitan areas, where older Virginians can continue working without the physical stresses that jobs in more rural parts of the state where manufacturing and agrarian-focused jobs are located.



How Education is Impacting These Numbers


The level of education attained in each region impacts the area's economic health and access to resources. Data reviewing the levels of education of older adults suggests that they coincide with the percentage of 60+ workers.


For example, 8.6% of the 60+ population in Northern Virginia failed to get a high school diploma, while 38.4% of this population is still active in the workforce. The percentage of 60+ers with a bachelor's degree or higher, however, was 50.3%.


In Southwest Virginia, 22.2% of the 60+ population failed to get a high school diploma, and only 20% were still active in the workforce. The percentage of 60+ers with a bachelor's degree or higher was 14.8%.


Here's how the regions compare.


Percent of 60+ Population Still in Work Force | Below High School Degree Education | Bachelor's and Above


Southwest

Southside

Eastern

West Central

Valley

Central

Hampton Roads

Northern

% Still in Workforce

20%

24.7%

25.8%

26.6%

28.8%

32.1%

32.2%

38.4%

% Below HS Diploma

22.2%

22.1%

15.5%

11.9%

14.3%

11%

9.9%

8.6%

% Bachelor's or Above

14.8%

15.7%

26.6%

27.6%

25.5%

35.8%

32.2%

50.3%


Lower education levels are usually associated with limited economic opportunities, lower-paying jobs, fewer benefits, and low retirement savings. This means higher risk for older populations in terms of healthcare, financial security, and the ability to stay mobile and active. In fact, the level of disabilities and poverty in older Virginians directly corresponds to the levels of education by region.


Percentage of 60+ Population with Disabilities and Living in Poverty by Region


Southwest

Southside

Eastern

West Central

Valley

Central

Hampton Roads

Northern

Disability

41%

36.5%

29.7%

27.7%

29.7%

27.7%

29.3%

22.4%

Poverty

13.5%

14.3%

11.2%

8.8%

8.4%

8.1%

8.3%

5.3%



What It Means for The Commonwealth


The lifestyles and challenges of Virginia's older residents vary by region. Those living in the Southwest, Southside, and Eastern Shore struggle the most for financial stability, live with disabilities, and remain independent and healthy, while those in Northern, Central, and Hampton Roads work longer and remain financially and physically independent.


Understanding the disparities will help policymakers shape housing, transportation, social engagement, and healthcare to better serve their aging populations. The goal is to help ensure that all Virginians, whether 60+ now or in the near future, will have access to the support networks and resources they need.


 
 
 

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