The Alaska Commission on Aging plans to hold several public forums around the state to gather information on the concerns of older Alaskans, caregivers, providers and senior advocacy groups.

The commission plans to especially involve the baby boomer generation and the business community for suggestions and possible solutions to resolve concerns.

The commission is gathering the information to develop a list of recommendations to be submitted to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging, scheduled for Oct. 23-26. The conference this year will specifically focus on the large baby boomer generation scheduled to reach retirement age during the next decade. Businesses will be asked to find solutions to meet the needs of the coming influx of retirement-aged boomers.

The Alaska commission plans to gather information beginning Feb. 25 at the Juneau Senior Center. Other forums are planned through June in Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Matanuska-Susitna area. Depending on funding, meetings may be held in other hub locations, according to commission's plan proposal.

The state's recommendations must be submitted to the White House conference by Aug. 1.

For information or to review the plan, go to www.alaskaaging.org.