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.

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 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.

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.