Minnesota Joins AARP Age-Friendly Network

(KNSI) – The state of Minnesota has joined St. Cloud and twelve other Minnesota communities to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly states and communities.

In a press release issued Monday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he has established the Governor’s Council on age-friendly Minnesota.

“I am extremely proud to see Minnesota recognized as an official Age-Friendly State.” said Governor Walz. “I am committed to keeping Minnesota a state where people of all ages can live life to the fullest. We’re working to ensure that Minnesota offers the financial security, health care, housing, transportation, and social services necessary for all people to retire and live out their golden years in a safe and dignified fashion.”

In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated $3.9 million to help engage older residents in efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure, systems, and social environment.

“Joining the Network today represents an important leadership milestone in ensuring that our state seizes the unprecedented opportunities we have with a growing aging demographic,” said Sherrie Pugh, Founding Chair of the Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly Minnesota Working Together. “We are well-positioned to make Minnesota a better place to grow older – not just for some, but for all.”

Thirteen Minnesota communities joined AARP’s network before the state’s enrollment: Alexandria, Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Hennepin County, Lake County, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Northfield, Oakdale, Olmsted County, Princeton, St. Cloud, and Wyoming.

The AARP says that age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents. To learn more about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, click here.

The Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota meets on a bi-monthly basis via video conference and its meetings are open to the public. To learn more, click here.

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