Community Challenge Grants Aim to Cure Social Isolation Issues

(KNSI) — Social isolation among older adults became a major issue among older adults at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now three years removed, several projects have been awarded grants to try and help seniors feel more connected to their communities.

Social isolation has been shown to go hand in hand with negative health outcomes, and groups like AARP Minnesota are offering Community Challenge grants to help seniors and others feel more connected.

Nancy Klepetka recently co-founded a local chapter of the Cycling Without Age program in Alexandria. The affiliate received a Community Challenge grant to buy certain bicycles that allow trained volunteers to give rides to elders who have restricted mobility. “We always tell one another, ‘Bikes don’t discriminate – only when you can’t ride one.’ And we’re taking that out of the equation; we’re making sure people can get on the front of this specialized bike and enjoy the wind in their hair.”

She says the conversations between the rider and volunteers are a key part of the social interaction.

Jay Haapala is the associate state director of community engagement for AARP Minnesota and says seniors “want to have chances for intergenerational interactions, but the way we set up our communities often keeps us separated.”

Haapala points to senior housing communities, which aren’t always set up for younger people to come in and have space with older adults.

Klepetka says technology advancements made during the pandemic have benefits but are still separating people. Streaming devices also prompt people of all ages to stay home and be alone. She hopes projects like Cycling Without Age motivate people of all generations to put their phones away sometimes and connect with other community members.
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MNC Reporter Mike Moen contributed to this story.

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