RD144 - Annual Progress Report of the Virginia Museum of Natural History on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
The Virginia Museum of Natural History defines “senior citizen” for purposes of admission to the museum as a person who identifies himself as someone 60 years of age or older. Last year the Museum served 421 senior citizens as paid visitors to the museum. The Virginia Museum of Natural History also has approximately 53 senior citizens who volunteer at the museum.

In addition, the Virginia Museum of Natural History offers a discount of $10 on any museum membership purchased by a senior citizen age 60 or over.

2. Identify the agency services that are utilized by senior citizens 65 and older in significant numbers. Indicate whether the agency has the capacity at present to serve all interested seniors or whether the demand of certain services exceeds the agency’s capacity. If so, does the agency maintain waiting lists for seniors.

At present the Virginia Museum of Natural History has the capacity to serve interested seniors through programs, lectures, and special events.

3. Identify current agency programs, specifically designed to serve seniors 65 and older, that fall into any of the following six categories: Health Care/Wellness; Education; Public Safety; Recreation; Financial Security (including housing); and Transportation.

At present the Virginia Museum of Natural History does not have programs specifically targeted for seniors; however, the museum offers programs for all ages.

4. Identify the extent to which your agency provides “consumer-oriented” publications and websites online that are designed to be “senior friendly.” If the information you currently provide is not readily accessible to seniors, identify any steps your agency is taking to improve accessibility.

The publications and websites of the Virginia Museum of Natural History are designed to appeal to a broad audience, including seniors.

5. Describe any other services or programs that the agency has implemented or plans to implement in the future to address the impact of the aging of Virginia’s population.

The Virginia Museum of Natural History will continue to offer a broad range of programs and events designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.