Get ready. There’s an Age Wave about to hit, and our region needs to be prepared.

“Planning for an Aging Population” is the topic of the Northern Kentucky Forum’s next public dialogue, to be held on Wednesday, July 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Edgewood Senior Center (550 Freedom Park Drive).

The public is invited to join the discussion of how our region can prepare for the demographic reality ahead. Expert panelists will be on hand to discuss various topics including healthcare, community resources and support services, infrastructure and community planning, and long-term care.

The Forum is free and will include interactive components for attendees. The public also is invited to take a poll in advance of the event at www.nkyform.org.

Within three years, all the baby boomers will be 50 years of age and older. Nationally and locally, that has significant implications. The United States population over 65 years of age was 39.6 million in 2009. That number is projected to climb to 72.1 million by 2030. For the counties of Campbell, Kenton and Boone, the number of people 65 years of age and older is projected to be over 60,000 by 2020.

“We certainly cannot change the fact that we are facing this ‘age wave,’ but we can be proactive in ensuring that our region is prepared for 60,000 people over the age of 65 by 2020,” said Patricia Goodman, chair of the Northern Kentucky Forum. “This Forum event provides an opportunity for our community to hear from and interact with experts who are working to make sure we are ready.”

The opening speaker will be Ron Crouch, a nationally known demographer who works for the Kentucky Workforce & Development Cabinet. The moderator will be Terry Grundy, community impact director for the United Way of Greater Cincinnati. Panelists include: Anne Wildman, director, Northern Kentucky Area Agency on Aging; Ken Rechtin, interim executive director, Senior Services of Northern Kentucky; John Muller, executive vice president, Carespring Health Care Management and administrator of Villaspring of Erlanger; and Dr. William Stafford, board certified physician in family medicine and geriatric medicine, St. Elizabeth Healthcare Family Practice Center.

The Northern Kentucky Forum is a partnership of Northern Kentucky University’s Scripps Howard Center for Civic Engagement, Vision 2015 and Legacy, three nonpartisan groups dedicated to public dialogue and discussion. The Forum conducts several “public square” events each year around current events and public policy. Forum events are free and intended for the community as a whole.

Optional RSVP for the July 18 event can be made to .