COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the 132(nd) General Session for Ohio convened, Speaker of the House Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) announced the formation of a new standing committee on Aging & Long-Term Care to focus on the strategies and solutions that can support Ohioans and their families as they age.

State Director of AARP Ohio Barbara A. Sykes said, "The aging of our population is a demographic wave that will reshape every community in this state, our nation - and most of the world. We are so pleased Speaker Rosenberger has the vision to see the vital importance of this area and the opportunity Ohio has to get ahead of the changes."

Since the middle of the 20th century, global life expectancy has increased by two decades. In just a few years, there will be more people over age 65 in the world than children under 5. Findings show that an older population can contribute greatly in all walks of life. But to make the most of this opportunity, communities must address an array of challenges that can make it harder to stay independent and productive.

The over-arching goals of financial security, health and personal well-being are linked in countless ways and benefit all generations. Common sense solutions will require fresh thinking and a crosscutting approach. They also require a willingness from policymakers and political leaders to take on difficult issues and openness to both new ideas and even some compromise by advocates and other stakeholders.

Sykes added, "Creating an Aging & Long-Term Care Committee means important bills like the Ohio Caregiving Act we helped pass will continue to receive the support and attention they deserve by our legislators. AARP Ohio and Ohio's 1.5 million AARP members thank you."

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

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SOURCE AARP Ohio