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

Why Provide Leadership Development for People 50+?

Older adults have a large reservoir of time, talent, energy, and experience...And, yet, as a society, we have not been very successful in finding new roles for those over 50 who want to use those added years productively.

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.

Forming a Movement for Civic Engagement

A lot of nonprofit and public organizations are working to help people 50+ discover how to get involved and to have greater opportunities for engagement. Without some form of coordination, these efforts can be confusing, and at times, the opportunities ca

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.

Growing and Nurturing the Vital Aging Network

Though I'm happy to think about gardening as the shadows fall on this mid-February day, right now I am more preoccupied with growing and nurturing VAN.

Successful Aging in Place Takes Planning

Despite the savings that more use of community-based services provide, the future costs of long-term care still threaten to overwhelm states' budgets.

Proposed Healthcare Reform and Medicare

I am pleased and honored to be the new chair of the Vital Aging Network. In keeping with the theme of this bulletin, I will comment on a topic related to national healthcare reform. These thoughts represent my own views. VAN has not taken a position.

Talking about VAN

At the November 2009 Leadership Group meeting, members answered the question: How do you describe VAN?

Journey into the Country of Aging

Beginning October 6, 2010 you are invited to join Joyce Eckes and Lucia Leck on Wednesday evenings to learn useful tips and tools for traveling into the Country of Aging. Attendees will participate in a self-awareness inventory, learn self-care, and gain understanding of cross cultural perspectives and practices. Sessions meet through May 11. The cost is $25 for each session or $100 for seven sessions. Call 651-696-2788 for more information.

Twin Cities Memory Walk

The Memory Walk is the Association’s largest local event that raises both awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and dollars to support dementia advocacy, support, education, and research programs. Help support the cause by walking either the long (3 mile) or short (.7 mile) route at the Three Rivers Park District – Hyland Park Reserve. Enjoy free snacks, visit the children’s area or sponsors’ tent, and join the Alzheimer’s Association for the post-walk program. In addition, the agency will host multiple kick-off parties throughout the Twin Cities. To learn about the kick-off parties, call 952-830-0512.

How Can I Afford Retirement

Beginning September 25, Hennepin County Library is offering its How Can I Afford Retirement Series. If you are approaching retirement or recently retired this might be for you. Plan to attend one or more sessions designed to help you make informed financial investment choices regarding your retirement assets. The programs will:

provide objective, noncommercial information
offer better ways to manage your retirement savings
help you avoid misleading advice

Body, Brain, and Basics Bootcamp for adults 50+

Kick start your body and brain into gear! Everyone is invited to attend this 2 1/2 hour session that includes:

45 minutes of exercise
45 minutes of brain challenges
A mini-seminar on healthy eating, brain basics, exercises, and a Social Worker will lead a class onwhat you should know about Medicare, Health Directives, etc.

This event is cosponsored by: Volunteers Of America-Minnesota Southwest Center, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation, and Minneapolis Community Education. Cost is $35.00 for the session and people must register at least one week prior to the start of the session. Contact Mary Ann at 612-822-3194 or mschoenberger@voamn.org for more informaiton.

Fort Snelling by Torchlight

Have you ever wondered what Fort Snelling is like after dark? Come to Fort Snelling for a special evening as its personnel open the gates and let you explore the site by torchlight. Learn about the shadowy side of the fort as you participate in a court martial to help decide the fate of one of Fort Snelling’s soldiers. The cost is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children. The event is free for members of the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS). The event requires registration and prepayment. Tours are also available on September 18 and October 30.

Film Festival and Program

Please join ECRA and the Center on Aging for a full-day program featuring movies and discussions. Movies will focus on creativity and aging, legal issues and aging, caring and dementia, and end-of-life decision making. Opinion leaders in the field of long-term care and aging will join moderator Jim Vanden Bosch from Terra Nova Films. CEUs are available.

Demystifying Hearing Loss

Everyone is welcome to attend a luncheon and presentation titled Demystifying Hearing Loss at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Paul. People will learn the tools that are available to assist with hearing diffculties and make day-to-day functioning easier. Mary Bauer, Minnesota Department of Human Services – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, will present. Call 651-699-5560 to make reservations ($7) and/or to schedule a free hearing screening between 10:00 and noon, before the presentation.

Adaptive Technology Classes at Hennepin County Library

Classes are currently taking place and Hennepin County libraries are once again offering classes at the Adaptive Technology Lab. Participants can learn how to use:

Magic, which magnifies for reading computer screens
Jaws, which is a powerful screen reader for Microsoft Offce software and the Internet
Open Book, which provides an introduction to OCR scanning for low-vision and blind writers and readers.

The library holds all classes at the Central Library on Nicollet Mall. To obtain more information or to register, call 952-847-5669. The Hudson Family Foundation supports the Adaptive Technology classes.