Here are some interesting facts for our area. By 2030 (not that far in the future), one out of every five people in Washington will be 65 years or older? Most people can expect to live 20 to 30 years beyond age 65. Vancouver Washington made the “most popular retirement cities in the USA” list. It’s no wonder we are expanding senior programs and senior housing options in Clark County, WA. Clark County is also part of a commission on aging that many counties and states are modeling.

Many of the current senior programs here in Clark County are designed for the senior who remains independent and there are many senior resources in the area for those adults who require various levels of assistance. But, much more can be done for those seniors who are and will remain independent as well as for those who are or will become dependent in some fashion.

So, now is the time that we remind our legislators of the importance to prepare for future needs. It is important that we remind our state lawmakers to continually ask what can be done now in order to support healthy aging and independence in the future. Governor-elect Inslee pledged to host an Aging Summit within the first six months in office. This would be a perfect time to urge the formation of Aging Committees in the state House and Senate. With Aging Committees, policies regarding aging issues can have a better cohesive oversight and management.

We need to stay in the forefront when it comes to senior housing options and senior resources here in Vancouver Washington and Clark County.