In just six years, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the number of people aged 60 and older in Alabama will jump past the 1 million mark, and the state Department of Senior Services wants Alabamians to help the state get ready for it.

The department will have its annual public hearing today to gather information about what people, particularly seniors, will need in the next few years to maintain their quality of life as they get older.

The hearing will start at 10 a.m. and will be held in the state Capitol Auditorium.

"The public has been invited to discuss long-term care needs and to propose changes to programs currently provided through (the department)," said Kaleigh Flatt, spokeswoman for the department.

The Department of Senior Services is responsible for coordinating state and federal programs that serve people who are 55 and older. For more, see the article in the Montgomery Advertiser, State agency prepares for boomers' rise.