Age-Friendly Minnesota Statewide Needs Assessment
 An age-friendly world enables people of all ages to actively participate in community activities and treats everyone with respect, regardless of their age. The Age-Friendly MN Statewide Needs Assessment is designed to gather information about what older Minnesotans--present and future--want and need in their communities to be healthy, engaged, and safe in later life. Maybe the next conversation you have with your friend could include ensuring their voice is heard and their feedback is counted. Think about asking them the survey questions and entering their answers. Oh, and don't forget to take the survey yourself! MN Age-Friendly Needs Assessment online survey It should take about 20 minutes to complete.

In addition to online, our friends at Eastside Neighborhood Services are hosting four listening sessions; each will include two age-friendly domains as the discussion topic. To RSVP email VitalLiving@esns.org or
call 612-787-4086

Session 1
October 18 | 12-1 PM
Via Zoom
Discussion Topics:
  • Built Environment: Housing, Outdoor Spaces, and Buildings
  • Transportation

Session 2
October 20| 12-1 PM
Via Zoom
Discussion Topics:
  • Community Support and Health Services
  • Communication and Information
  • RSVP
Session 3
October 25| 12-1 PM
Via Zoom
Discussion Topics:
  • Safety, Basic Needs, and Affording Aging
  • Emergency Preparedness and Community Satisfaction

Session 4
October 27| 12-1 PM
Via Zoom
  • Discussion Topics:
  • Social Participation and Inclusion
  • Work, Volunteering, and Civic Engagement
Critical Staff Shortage Hits Minnesota Nursing Homes
"They're exhausted! They are totally exhausted from working 100-hour workweeks, double shifts, in full PPE during a really hot summer," Patti Cullen of Care Providers of MN told reporters during a press conference. 

"First phone conversation we had. It went really well. We were able to connect about our pets and a few other things. We established a weekly phone time. She seemed happy to talk to me!" ~Sara
Bright Ideas!
Don't forget that we are looking for your "bright ideas" for bringing the joy of light and brightness to our LBFE friends during our 30 Days of Brightness! Everything from making extra phone calls and sending cards and treats, to sharing your own family holiday traditions with a special elder friend. Some ideas should be free and easy to execute and some could include the cost of postage or a small gift. Some may even include a visit outdoors to soak up some of that natural light! Choose the logo and share your creative ideas with us here. 30 Bright Ideas. We will compile everything and make them available in early November to add to the fun! If you have questions, please reach out to Ann Fosco or call 612-746-0725
Studies show that getting involved in volunteer or philanthropic work can improve emotional wellbeing, promote a healthy, active lifestyle, and help maintain cognitive function. Did you know that several of our older adult members volunteer in their communities, just as you do? They so enjoy accomplishing something they feel is meaningful and that makes a difference in the lives of those around them.
Pretty great to both receive and give, isn't it!
Didn't Get Your COVID Vaccine Yet?

Here is an opportunity to get your two Pfizer shots FREE from our friends at the YMCA in South Minneapolis!

Location:
YMCA Blaisdell
3335 Blaisdell Ave S.,
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Vaccine Type: Pfizer
Appointments Available: 10/18/2021 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Second Dose Clinic: 11/08/2021

Must be 12 years old or older * Appointments are now bookable for the first dose date listed above. To schedule, use this link: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/gd88BD
The Miracle in the Music
A decade ago, jazz icon Tony Bennett and pop superstar Lady Gaga struck up one of the great Odd Couple partnerships in recent music history. Now, with Love For Sale, Bennett and Gaga are serving up another round but with a poignant twist: It may be Bennet's final album. He's 95 and has been living with Alzheimer's disease. Learn more about "the miracle in the music, courtesy of Tony Bennett — and Lady Gaga" here. Then watch their incredible performance in the video below.
Question of the week for your chat with your phone friend
Maybe you can talk about the Age-Friendly Minnesota Statewide Needs Assessment? If not, how about "If you could give me a nickname, what would it be?" I would love to hear some of those names!
Tickle Your Funny Bone!
"Have you heard the rumor going around about butter?"

"Never mind, I shouldn’t spread it"
To connect with resources for older adults be sure to contact
Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433
Don't forget to enter your time!
If you don't already have your new personalized link, you can request one here anytime.