Committee to explore impact of “silver tsunami”

To The Eagle:

The population in Wahkiakum County is aging rapidly. From 2010 to 2030 people aged 65 and over will increase from 25.5 percent to more than 42 percent. At the recent Aging Well – Living Well forum at Lower Columbia College, local experts addressed the impact this change is likely to have on our housing, transportation, health and wellness, workforce development, and community engagement.

The keynote speaker, Bob Blancato, of Washington, D.C., national coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition and director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Programs, challenged attendees to engage our communities and policymakers in discussion to plan for the impact of the “Silver Tsunami.”

Wahkiakum County Health and Human Services is forming a committee to begin these discussions and to explore options to prepare for the projected “graying” of our county. As a member of the advisory board and a long-time senior advocate, I have volunteered to chair the Aging Well – Living Well Committee and am extending an invitation to residents throughout the county to join me on this committee. Working together we can better meeting the current and future needs of seniors in Wahkiakum County. I especially encourage Westend residents to participate.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me afternoons and evenings until nine p.m. at (360) 780-2048, if no answer leave a clear message.

Thank you for your interest.

Nicki Thomas

Puget Island