Legislators to address age wave on Oct. 10 in Bellevue | Letter

Washington state is experiencing an age wave. People are living longer, particularly those aged 85 and older. In 25 years or less adults aged 60 and older are expected to make up 25 percent of the King County population. As a volunteer with organizations that serve older adults, I believe our legislators need to effectively address this demographic shift.

September 27, 2016 12:30 pm
The legislative forum at the North Bellevue Community Center at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 will focus on “Washington’s Aging Readiness.” Contributed photo
The legislative forum at the North Bellevue Community Center at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 will focus on “Washington’s Aging Readiness.” Contributed photo

Washington state is experiencing an age wave. People are living longer, particularly those aged 85 and older. In 25 years or less adults aged 60 and older are expected to make up 25 percent of the King County population. As a volunteer with organizations that serve older adults, I believe our legislators need to effectively address this demographic shift.

The legislative forum at the North Bellevue Community Center at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 will focus on “Washington’s Aging Readiness.” Washington state legislators and candidates for office from the 1st, 5th, 41st, 45th and 48th districts have been invited to participate. There will be a presentation on how our state can help create age-friendly communities, strengthen the long-term term support system, promote economic security and increase protections from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

The candidates and legislators will have the opportunity to comment on these issues and will take questions from the audience. The forum is hosted by the following organizations: Bellevue Network on Aging, Kirkland Senior Council, Eastside Human Services Forum, AARP Washington, Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services, Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging, LeadingAge Washington, United Way, Washington State Senior Citizens’ Lobby, King County and city of Seattle.

The public is invited to this informative event. Because of limited seating, advanced registration is required. To register, visit http://svy.mk/2be2EiL, email Gigi Meinig at gigi.meinig@seattle.gov. or call 206-684-0652.

Diana Thompson

Bellevue