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 King County’s population.

As a member of an organization that serves older adults, I encourage everyone to attend a legislative forum at the North Bellevue Community Center on Oct. 10. Washington state legislators and candidates for office from the 1st, 5th, 41st, 45th and 48th districts are invited to participate and will focus on “Washington’s Aging Readiness.”

Information will be discussed on how our state can help create age-friendly communities, strengthen the long-term support system, promote economic security, and increase protections from abuse, exploitation and neglect. The candidates and legislators will have an opportunity to comment and 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.

All members of the public are invited to attend this free event from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at 4063 148th Ave. NE, Bellevue. Seating is limited so you are encouraged to RSVP at http://svy.mk/2be2EiL, email Gigi Meinig at gigi.meinig@seattle.gov or call her at 206-684-0652.

Carolyn Kelso

Kirkland Senior Council member