Southwest Virginia already is an older community – comparable to some Florida locales – and rapidly getting older.

The boomer wave will swell our ranks of seniors. They will be joined by transplants attracted by the region’s growing reputation as an affordable retirement destination set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

But are we truly prepared for what’s to come? Do we have the appropriate network of family, friends, professional caretakers and health-care workers?

Read more in this Roanoke Times/roanoke.com special report.