Age-Friendly

Central Minnesota Council on Aging collaborates with communities, counties, faith-based organizations, regional development commissions, and health and social service providers to meet the needs of our growing older adult population.  This is accomplished through coordinated development of support, services, and resources.

Age-Friendly Communities

Communities are more vibrant and effective when they are age-inclusive.  Well designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages.  The most livable communities are those that enable residents to thrive at every age and every life stage – in other words, they are age-friendly.

Through the AARP Age-Friendly States and Communities program they define the 8 Domains of Livability in which the availability and quality of these communities’ features impact the well-being of community members. The program offers resources and tools that help local leaders (both elected officials and engaged residents) prepare and ultimately change their communities to become great places for everyone to live.

On December 11, 2019, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 19-38 challenging Minnesota to research opportunities and overcome barriers to become an age-friendly state.  As a result of this order the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council was formed.

In 2022, Minnesota became the tenth state to join the AARP age-friendly network. The Age-Friendly Minnesota Council along with collaborative partners created the Multisector Blueprint for Aging to plan the future that ensures all our state’s residents are included, values, and given equitable
opportunities to thrive.

CMCOA’s Community Development team works with communities within our region interested in learning more about becoming an Age-Friendly Community and assists with their ongoing work to become an age-friendly community. To learn more, contact the Community Development staff for your area.