Age Friendly MN

The AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders and encourage them to implement the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The Network provides resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices.

Arrowhead AAA supports communities and coalitions who are interested in entering AARPs Network of Age Friendly Communities and States, by offering technical assistance and support in convening local coalitions. We also provide resources, training, and support for organizations and businesses who want to take steps to implement more age-friendly policies and practices.

If you are interested in becoming an Age Friendly Community, please contact us for no cost technical assistance!

Age Friendly Communities in Minnesota: https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/aarp-minnesota-age-friendly-hub

For more information about Age Friendly funding opportunities, activities and technical assistance: https://mn.gov/dhs/age-friendly-mn/

What is an Age-Friendly Community?
An Age-Friendly community values and includes people of all ages, stages, abilities, race, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It is one that prioritizes safety, has affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offers community features and opportunities that nurture personal agency, purpose, social engagement and connectedness, activity, and belonging for people of all ages. Age-Friendly communities design and align resources to enhance personal independence, allow residents to age in place, and foster engagement in the community’s civic, economic, and social life.
Why is this important?
We are living longer, healthier lives; some may say in midst of a longevity revolution! 2020 marked the year where we have more Minnesotans 65+ than children 18 and under. Half of today’s 5-year-olds will live to be 100. Research shows most older Minnesotans want to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible, but we must act NOW to build communities that are great places to grow up and grow old and assess infrastructure investments through the lens of longevity.
AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders and encourage them to implement the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages. The network provides resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices. Membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities means that a community’s elected leadership has made a commitment to actively work with residents and local advocates to make their town, city, county or state an age-friendly place to live. Once accepted into the network by AARP, the community leadership and residents work through the age-friendly network’s assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes.

Age-Friendly Minnesota
Age-Friendly Minnesota is a collaborative statewide effort to make our systems and communities more inclusive of and responsive to older adults. It is part of a global movement to prepare for an aging population and ensure that older people are valued and integrated into communities at a new level. Age-Friendly MN Council Members represent nine State Agency leadership, Greater MN representatives, Age-Friendly and faith communities, and Tribal Nations.
How we help:

The Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging is supporting efforts throughout the region for Age-Friendly community projects, coalitions, and aging advocacy efforts.  Here’s how:

  • Technical Assistance:   We offer technical assistance and supports to Age Friendly Minnesota grantees, and to any community group who is interested in learning about the Age-Friendly framework, embarking on a project, or establishing an Age-Friendly coalition.
  • Aging Advocacy: We offer educational workshops and presentations to a wide variety of community groups and professional conferences and are available to speak upon request. Topics can include (but not limited to): Ageism, The Longevity Economy, Reframing Aging, Age-Friendly Network designation, and more!
  • Convening Changemakers: The Arrowhead Changemakers serve as ambassadors to make meaningful, lasting change that helps their community become a better place to grow up and grow old. Central to our work is reframing the way we talk, think, feel and act about aging.  Together, we are working to end ageism and champion an Age-Friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage of life.
  • Age-Friendly Businesses: Older adults are major contributors to our economy and are the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S. Businesses can take simple steps to become more accommodating and welcoming to people of ALL ages. Twice a year, we offer the Aging Impact Award, in an effort to raise awareness and acknowledge businesses who are going above and beyond their daily services to better serve older adults.   New in 2024, we are launching an Age-Friendly Business program that provides an initial two-hour training followed by quarterly virtual trainings.

Georgia Lane

Georgia Lane, Senior Program Developer, leads regional efforts that support organizations and communities in adopting Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly lens. She helps to engage stakeholders to make meaningful change in their community. She believes that aging is a gift, and is passionate about reframing the way we think, talk, and act about aging. She offers presentations on ageism, Age-Friendly Frameworks, the longevity economy, dementia, social connection, Age-Friendly businesses and more. Georgia completed her BA in Sociology from the College of St. Benedict, and MA in Social Work from the University of Minnesota and has been with the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging since June of 2016.

Arrowhead Changemakers

The Arrowhead Changemakers is a collaborative of aging ambassadors in the seven-county Northeastern Minnesota region working to make meaningful, lasting change in their community. To further its efforts, the Arrowhead Changemakers aligns with the expertise of the Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging (MNLCOA), that aims to create supportive communities and systems that support aging with dignity and a spirit of well-being in Minnesota.

For more information and resources to end ageism, visit mnlcoa.org/ageism.

For information about the Arrowhead Changemakers, contact Georgia at glane@ardc.org.

LETS MAKE WAVES TO END AGEISM

Ageism is a prevalent issue that impacts our society and arises when age is unfairly used to categorize and divide people, leading to harmful consequences. Beyond perpetuating damaging stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination that divide our community, ageism also undermines our mental health, physical well-being, and fundamental human rights.
Embracing positive attitudes about aging can enhance the quality of life and foster a stronger and more inclusive community for all ages. Together, we can make waves to end ageism and champion an age-friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage of life.

WAYS YOU CAN MAKE WAVES TO END AGEISM

1. Reframe the Narrative Around Aging
Change stereotypical associations with getting older by embracing realistic ideas of the aging experience by reframing it as a positive process for all individuals and society to accept and adapt to.
2. Embrace Inclusive Language
Avoid using terms like “elderly” and “old” and embrace more inclusive language like “older adults” or “older people.” In fact, “elderly” may be the most pervasive term perpetuating ageism due to its association with vulnerability and frailty, so always drop the ly in ELDERLY!
3. Consider Imagery Carefully
Explore more positive and realistic images of older adults that showcase a wider representation of the aging experience. Avoid images that focus on frailty and vulnerability or make fun of getting older.
4. Take a Stand to End Ageism
Commit to recognizing, spreading awareness, and taking action to challenge age-related stereotypes, biases in your thinking and behaviors, and everyday conversations by doing your part to end ageism.
5. Create Intergenerational Connections
Encourage and participate in intergenerational activities that build bridges of understanding, appreciation, and shared life experiences that further cultivate meaningful relationships.

For more information to end ageism, visit mnlcoa.org/ageism.