AARP Minnesota

This week, AARP and consumer advocates claimed victory after coming to consensus with the long-term care industry on a bill to prevent elder abuse. More than two years ago, a Star Tribune series, Left to Suffer, unveiled a broken regulatory system that left many older and vulnerable adults at risk for abuse and neglect. Minnesota is the only state in the country that does not license assisted living facilities. Reports of elder abuse, uncovered more than 2 years ago, continue with the Minnesota Department of Health receiving approximately 400 cases of abuse and neglect every week.

AARP supports the development of a Minnesota state Drug Affordability Review Board and believes that federal, state, and local governments should ensure that prescription drug launch prices and subsequent pricing decisions are reasonable, justified, and support improved consumer access and affordability

Americans shouldn’t have to pay the highest prices in the world for the medicines they need. Minnesotans depend on their prescriptions – but from cancer treatments to EpiPens, and beyond, drug companies' skyrocketing prices are pushing life-saving treatments out of reach for those who need them. Medications don’t work if people can’t afford them. It's time to Stop Rx Greed.

AARP MN is proud to honor Hennepin County Commissioner, Angela Conley, during Black History Month. Her dedication and work on issues of livability, housing, equity and inclusion, community services, and civic engagement shows her commitment to a better quality of life in the South Minneapolis community. Conley has spoken at Sabathani and Nokomis AARP Healthy Aging events to join our elders and speak on her work on their behalf.

LaVerne Gilliam, from Shakopee, MN, has been selected to receive the 2020 AARP Minnesota Andrus Award for Community Service, the association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service. AARP Minnesota selected Gilliam for her tireless volunteer work with multiple organizations in the community, including AARP, Second Harvest Heartland, the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging, Maplewood Nature Center, Minnesota Wildlife Refuge, and Bike MN.

Check out the new AARP sponsored outdoor fitness park organized by FitLot at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center.

New Protections to Prevent Elder Abuse Become Law

Special Session Likely in June

An Age-Friendly Community includes safe, walkable streets; housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life. In November, more than 500 people attended our virtual conference focused on Building Great Places for People of All Ages. Learn more about Age-Friendly Communities in action and what tools and resources are available to create change where you live. If you were unable to participate you can still access the recordings using these links:

Communities across Minnesota are working to become more livable for residents of all ages. AARP is working across Minnesota in partnership with local leaders, organization, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality.