Vital Aging Network

Thoughts on Aging in Place

Aging in place—the subject of VAN's February forum—is a widespread aspiration for older adults. The idea of aging in place has grown over the past decade because it allows individuals to stay in environments in which they are familiar and fe

Seniors Have to Be Their Own Fraud Squad

We hear a lot today about seniors becoming victims of fraud. It's not that seniors are bigger suckers than others. It's just that older folks are targeted because they often have savings set aside, they are a large, growing “market” an

Social Media as a Tool for Civic Engagement

I use Facebook regularly to connect with people in my personal life. I love getting messages from friends and family with updates about their lives. Increasingly, I use these networks to help me do my work and stay connected in my civic work.

As Boomers Age, We Can Expect More and Better Assistive Devices

I also use adaptive devices not associated with my injury, such as eyeglasses. These and other devices make my life possible, and I am enormously grateful for them. Because others may not be as lucky as I have been in obtaining such aids, I would like to

An Unpaid Encore Career

Nancy Eustis, shares her encore career journey and how it is influencing her life.

An Update on the Vital Aging Network

This month, Chair, Nancy Eustis, has a lot of news to share about the Vital Aging Network.

Thoughts on the Older American Act

Civic engagement is the thread that weaves the fabric of a democratic society. Active citizens can be the catalyst for a strong civic infrastructure that includes citizens, government, businesses, and the whole community working together to solve problems

Tap into Your Creativity and Reap Benefits

Not only can everyone be creative; but, as we age, the combination of a lifetime of knowledge and experiences heighten our potential for creativity.

Helping Others is Good for You

Volunteering is one way to help others. It can also be a way to help yourself, to improve your mental health.

Working Together, Aging and Disability Groups Can Be a Powerful Force

Traditionally few connections, if any, have existed between younger adults who struggle with long-term disabilities and older adults who become disabled in late life.

Senior Surf Day

Learn computer basics, how to navigate and search the Internet and how to access websites of interest to seniors. Get hands-on computer experience with help from representatives of the Senior LinkAge Line®. Presented in collaboration with Minnesota Board on Aging and the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Registration required, begins Mar 1. Register online or call 612-543-6225. For information about similar events at other locations and times, visit www.hclib.org/pub/events/.

Social Networking Basics

Learn how to navigate the new generation of social media websites including Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Registration required, begins Jan 28. To register call 612-543-8450 or visit the North Regional Library website.

VAN FORUM - Aging in Place: Services That Pave the Way - Feb 15

Do you want to live in your current home as you age? As life changes around you, the barriers to continuing to live in your home may seem insurmountable. This forum will help older adults, family members, and caregivers learn about the services available to make it possible to age at home. [Download a flyer]

VAN FORUM - Aging in Place: Services That Pave the Way

Aging in Place Seminar

This one-day seminar is offered to adult children who are contemplating keeping or moving their elderly folks into their own home for long or short-term living as an alternative to placing them into a specialized age-care facility. The session runs from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm and costs $85 (includes one free guest). [Download a flyer]. For more information or to register, contact MCTC at 612-659-6500. Register online at www.minneapolis.edu/continuinged (click on Course Schedule).

Nonfiction Book Discussions for Elder Learners

Join us for a stimulating discussion of nonfiction books. Presented in collaboration with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. For additional information, call the library, 612-543-6925. For a complete list of Hennepin County Library events, visit www.hclib.org/pub/events.

Brenda, My Darling: The Love Letters of Fridtjof Nansen to Brenda Ueland

Nansen, Norway’s greatest explorer, humanitarian and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, wrote some of the most passionate, candid and eloquent love letters in the English language. Eric Utne, founder of Utne Reader and step-grandson of Linden Hills writer Brenda Ueland, shares his personal insights into this epic love. Registration required; begins Jan. 12; limit 50. For additional information call Hennepin County Library, Linden Hills, 612-543-6825.