Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
It should come as no surprise that seniors want to live in their homes and in their communities with their friends and family that they have known forever, for as long as possible.
The population of the United States is rapidly aging. One in three Americans is age 50 or older. By 2030, one out of every five people in the United States will be age 65 or over. By 2034, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18. (Source: AARP Livable Communities.)
On Wednesday, August 16, Fillmore County was recognized as an age friendly community by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP-Minnesota).
The award was presented by AARP Minnesota Jay Associate State Director Jay Haapala during senior dining at B&B Bowl and Restaurant in Preston, Minn. The event was attended by the county’s age-friendly committee, Southeast Area Agency on Aging (SMAAA), Semcac, Fillmore County Public Health, Harmony Golden Happenings and seniors attending senior dining.
What is an age friendly community? “The aim is to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age,” according to SMAAA.
Photo by Charlene Corson Selbee
What are the benefits of an age friendly community? “Well-designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages.
“Research shows that people of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that is affordable and adaptable,” according to SMAAA.
Age-friendly communities focus on eight domains of livability – transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, and outdoor spaces and buildings.
The Fillmore County application emphasizes, “Fillmore County has programs and services within the Eight Domains of Livability which support older adults in their efforts to remain living in their community of choice. There are several programs targeted to specific age groups and targeted toward addressing people living with specific mobilities and limitations. Older adults residing in Fillmore County have access to six primary care clinics, two eye clinics, and four dental clinics. A range of health services and community supports are provided by public agencies and private non-profits. These include: senior clubs, congregate dining, home-delivered meals, food shelves, housing rehab loans, senior outreach specialists, energy assistance, weatherization, transportation, evidence-based health classes, waiver services, and home health care. Several communities in Fillmore County offer a menu of housing options which include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing facility, memory care, respite care, and subsidized apartments. Older adults seeking employment may work with the local Workforce Development agency. As a rural community, Fillmore County residents may gain transportation support through their health plan insurance or through a network of volunteer drivers or the Rolling Hills Public Transportation offered by Semcac. Fillmore County offers many outdoors spaces and buildings for recreation and enjoyment of the arts. There is a large network of parks, green spaces, trails, open gyms, free equipment rentals, museums, theatres, and libraries for residents to enjoy.”
AARP – “We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”’
Members of the Fillmore County committee that initiated the AARPA – Minnesota application process include Brenda Pohlman, Fillmore County Public Health, Bill Sullivan, Bonnie Heidtke, Pam Nelson, Linda King, Marjorie Fuller and Sue Olinger, Fillmore County age-friendly volunteers; and Dan Conway, SE Area Agency on Aging. Pohlman is the Fillmore County age-friendly community contact.
The committee’s next steps are to conduct an assessment to identify priorities based on the eight domains. The results of a survey and focus groups will be used to develop an action plan. The final step is to implement the action plan.
According to SMAAA, AARP role in the process is to “Help community leaders to assess the needs in their community, evaluate the results, and create an action plan to address each domain.”
If any Fillmore County seniors are interested in answering survey questions and/or participating in a focus group, or asking questions, contact Brenda Pohlman at (507) 765-2636 or Pam Nelson at (507) 272-6814.
Ken says
I through their crap in the trash. A liberal organization! There are a lot of non liberal organizations out there if you feel the need to be involved in one!