Vital Aging Network

Dignity and Being Older

The observation that "Haiti is choking on receiving" caught my attention when I heard Ruth Anne Olson speak recently. I thought of a comparable paradox that may occur as we get older.

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.

SeniorNet Minneapolis Open House August 2012

Minneapolis SeniorNet provides low cost computer classes for people over the age of 50. Beginning (fundamental) classes range from learning mouse skills and personal computer basic functions to simple management of files and managing your PC. The next level deals with applications for word processing, email, Internet, spreadsheets and photo editing. Two-hour classes are held one day a week for four weeks at the Minneapolis Technical and Community College in the Wells Center at 1403 Harmon Avenue. The cost for a class is $25. The site has a link to class schedules.

Caring for a Person with Memory Loss 2012

Community Leadership After 50

Look for this television program produced by the Vital Aging Network in partnership with Twin Cities Public Television to be aired across the state on the tpt MN Channel (2.2). A group of thought leaders discuss ways Minnesota's boomers can maintain a high-level of activity in their communities as they age out of their current daily roles. Show times are 5:00 am, 11:00 am, 5:00 pm, and 11:00 pm. To watch online, visit www.tpt.org/?a=programs&id=21357.

Saint Paul Senior Worker's Association Spring Conference

The conference title is: Closets are for Clothes - Not People! Providing Competent and Compassionat Care to LGBT Elders. The program was developed in partnership with LGBT and aging organizations and by Training to Serve, who offers a comprehensive curriculum on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older adults. For information, visit the registration page.