Concerns about loneliness among older people aren’t going away. But an annual grant program for community-level projects could bring more Minnesotans, young and old, together.
Groups such as AARP have said a growing body of research links being alone with negative health outcomes. The organization hopes its Community Challenge grants can fix some of these issues. A handful of this year’s grantees in Minnesota have projects with a mission to improve social connections across all ages.
Jay Haapala, AARP Minnesota’s associate state director of community engagement, said social isolation is a public health issue and is something they hear about from members.
“They want to have chances for intergenerational interactions,” he said, “but the way we set up our communities often keeps us separated.”
Haapala pointed to senior housing communities that aren’t always conducive to making connections with younger people. He added that the lingering effects of the pandemic, along with advancements in technology, tend to keep people more isolated. One new grant is for a Duluth project, where an urban college farm will be converted into an age and ability-inclusive gathering space.
In Alexandria, Nancy Klepetka recently co-founded a local chapter of the Cycling Without Age program. 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,” she said. “We’re making sure people can get on the front of this specialized bike and enjoy the wind in their hair.”
She said the conversations between the rider and volunteers are a key part of the social interaction.
Klepetka said improved technology has its benefits, but added that things such as streaming devices often prompt people to stay home alone. She said she hopes projects such as these motivate people of all ages to sometimes put their phones away and connect with other community members.
“A reason to be together,” she said. “A reason to look into one another’s eyes and share a little laughter.”
Mike Moen writes for Minnesota News Connection.
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