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We are pleased to announce that Age-Friendly Olmsted County (AFOC) will release its Community Assessment Findings Report during a virtual event at 10am on June 29. The report describes the state of services, facilities and environment for our local aging population. The community assessment committee conducted original research, gathered public input and utilized data from a variety of sources.

Attached is an advance copy of the report. After the event, the report will be available at http://familyservicerochester.org/.

AFOC is a cross-sector initiative to ensure that residents of Olmsted County have what they need to live with autonomy and dignity in all life’s stages. When Olmsted County became a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in early 2020, it officially joined a global movement, with roots in the World Health Organization, to help cities and communities respond to an aging population and prepare for a permanently older society.

Age-friendliness brings a lifespan approach to all aspects of the community. An age-friendly community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offers supportive community features and services. Once in place, these resources enhance personal independence; allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and, foster residents' engagement in the community's civic, economic, and social life.

In committing to membership in the network, the Olmsted County Board asked Family Service Rochester to lead the age-friendly planning process. Family Service Rochester now convenes and facilitates AFOC planning activities and the preparation of the planning report.

The network process establishes a cycle of continuous improvement. The community assessment report is part of the planning stage. It describes the findings of a community needs assessment designed to identify the greatest needs and opportunities related to older residents in the county.

Next steps for AFOC include developing a three-year action plan addressing the findings of the report. Community members of Olmsted County are encouraged to join the action planning process scheduled for completion by early 2022.

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Please contact me with any questions.

Regards,

Dave Beal

Age-Friendly Olmsted County Coordinator

Marketing and Communications Manager

Family Service Rochester

4600 18th Ave NW

Rochester, MN 55901

507-287-2010

www.familyservicerochester.org

Yesterday, Olmsted County joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. As the latest Minnesota community to sign on to the network, Olmsted County’s civic leaders will have access to global resources and information on age-friendly best practices, models of assessment and implementation, and the experiences of towns and cities around the world.

The network helps participating communities become great places for people of all ages by adopting features such as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities.

In the City for Good’s Age-Friendly Community action team initiated the process of bringing Olmsted County into the network in late 2017. With the support of AARP Minnesota, we hosted a series of age-friendly related forums, conducted a baseline community assessment, and worked with Olmsted County to develop a local plan for participation in the network.

Pictured below (l-r) Commissioner Sheila Kiscaden; Ken Zaiken, AARP Executive Council Volunteer; Commissioner Gregg Wright; Dave Beal, Family Service Rochester; Dan Conway, SEMAAA; Jay Haapala, AARP Minnesota Staff; Commissioner Stephanie Podulke.

Zaiken, Beal, and Conway are members of the Age-Friendly Community action team along with Bruce Buller, Lynn Borkenhagen, Priscilla Van Grevenhof, Ray Schmitz, Gail Schmitz, and Steve Troutman.