2A: Learning Across the Lifespan: the Role of an Age-Friendly University 

Around the globe, people are living longer than ever. As life expectancies increase, the familiar model of a three-stage life (school > work > retirement) is becoming outdated. Instead, an emerging multi-stage life model describes people entering, leaving, and re-entering work and learning experiences well into their 70's and 80's. Two movements that embrace these demographic changes are the Age Friendly University and the 60-Year Curriculum. In our presentation, we will introduce these movements, consider implications and opportunities, and invite discussion on ways that Higher Education can be involved in broader Age Friendly Community efforts.

Learning objectives:

• Consider the implications of increased longevity on financial, career, and educational needs.
• Describe the 60-year curriculum as it relates to employment needs and learning across the lifespan.
• Understand the connections between Age Friendly University principles and broader Age Friendly Community domains.

2B: Bridging the Gap: Advancing Effective Communication and Hearing Accessibility Across Minnesota

Addressing communication and hearing loss barriers is crucial for enhancing the health and well-being of older adults. In this session, all speakers will address how their work can foster healthier, more inclusive communities by improving communication. One speaker will share insights from the ACHIEVE study, demonstrating the impact of personalized, best-practice hearing interventions. Meanwhile, two other speakers will offer practical strategies for enhancing communication access. They will also define accessibility, provide actionable steps for creating equitable environments in various public and private settings, and examine relevant state and federal accessibility laws.

By integrating these insights and strategies, this session aims to empower stakeholders, gerontologists, and providers to build stronger, more united communities across Minnesota.

Learning objectives:

• Explore Best Practice Hearing Interventions: Understand personalized best practice hearing interventions and gain insights on their potential impact on cognition and healthy communication function.
• Enhance Communication Access: Identify the impact of hearing loss and learn practical strategies for improving communication access and creating inclusive environments in various settings, such as offices and senior housing.
• Understand Hearing and Communication Accessibility in Minnesota: Examine state and federal accessibility laws and define steps to ensure equitable access and compliance in supporting individuals with hearing loss using assistive technology, hired service providers, and simple communication tools.

2C: Supporting Independence for People Living with Dementia

This session focuses on helping support people living with dementia participate in meaningful daily activities while providing the right amount of support and balancing safety and independence while managing expectations.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the changes in independence that happen in people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias
• Describe four steps of helping with personal care activities.
• List tips to make activities meaningful.
• Identify ways to know what is the right amount of support and how to balance safety.

2D: The Future is Age-Friendly Transportation

One of the key aspects of leading a fulfilling and active life is having the ability to travel to desired destinations. While many individuals have access to personal vehicles, age-related changes can often lead to a decreased ability or desire to drive. Consequently, alternative options for transportation become necessary. Due to limited knowledge of and experience with community transportation, individuals frequently rely on family and friends for rides. Although this can be a viable solution, over-reliance on personal networks can place undue burden on the driver and cause feelings of guilt for the rider. An age-friendly community will have a variety of transportation options that are safe, reliable, and accessible to everyone. While public transportation exists in most communities, it may not always accommodate individuals with disabilities or accessibility challenges. This session will explore various transportation options and support services that can meet the travel needs of people as they age. Strategies for increasing coordination between transportation providers and multi-sector agencies who support older adults and their caregivers will also be discussed as a vital step in creating an age-friendly community. Attendees will hear from a transportation provider in MN and learn about existing age-friendly transportation programs with tips for replication.

Learning objectives:

• Understand why age-friendly transportation programs are important
• Learn about services and supports to make community transportation options age-friendly
• Hear examples of success age-friendly transportation programs

2E: Aging in Rural MN

Older adults in these areas encounter significant barriers, from limited transportation and health care access to social isolation and housing challenges, all of which impact their quality of life. This session will explore the findings of a comprehensive research project aimed at identifying gaps in existing support systems. Our goal is to shed light on these critical issues and discuss potential solutions to enhance services, inform policy, and improve the well-being of older adults in rural communities. The goal of this project is to inform policy recommendations that will enhance the quality of life and support systems for older adults in rural communities. By leveraging the findings from this comprehensive analysis, key collaborative partners can better advocate for and implement solutions that address the critical needs of this vulnerable population.

Learning objectives:

• Identify the difference between 7-county Metro and Greater MN for aging older adults in the following areas:
• Sociodemographic
• Affordable Supportive Housing
• Food Insecurity
• Transportation
• Social Well-Being
• Health Care Access

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