50 Over 50: Conversations on Aging Well

Minnesota is more than just lakes, hockey, and Prince. The state is at the center of a national conversation around reshaping public safety. It’s known for high educational outcomes and strong voter turnout, but also for deep racial disparities. Whatever the issue, Minnesotans of all ages stay engaged in their communities. We’re ranked fifth in the nation for volunteerism with 41% of residents 16+ having volunteered in the last year (2019, MN Compass).

Volunteering makes us feel good. It benefits our communities and positively impacts both the people who receive help and those who provide it. This is especially true for older adults. Studies show that volunteering can increase longevity more than physical mobility, exercising, and attending religious services. Volunteering deepens our connections to community and others,  improves our emotional and mental well-being, provides a sense of purpose, and reduces the risk of depression, stress, and disease. In other words, it helps us age well.

Join AARP Minnesota and Pollen on October 19 to hear inspiring stories from 50 Over 50 honorees who have mastered the art of aging well through their volunteer efforts. Connect with people from across Minnesota who share a passion for building community. And learn about opportunities to get more involved in your community with AARP Minnesota’s Create The Good program. 

PROGRAM

October 19, 2021, 11:30 am-1:00 pm

Welcome & Performance 11:30 am

Panel discussion 11:45 am

Conversations 12:45 pm

Join us on Zoom | REGISTER

Live captioning is available, and ASL interpreters are available upon request. When registering, please let us know what you need to fully experience the event.

SPEAKERS 

Dr. Rose Wan-Mui Chu, 2016 50 Over 50 Community Honoree

Paula Hart, 2017 50 Over 50 Nonprofit Honoree

Phil Johnson, 2018 50 Over 50 Community Honoree

Moderated by Kate Schaefers, AARP MN Volunteer State President

With a performance by Alive 'N' Kickin'

Founded by 50 over 50 recipient Michael Matthew Ferrell, Alive & Kickin is a senior services arts organization committed to giving voice to seniors through personal stories and popular songs, and empowering its members to entertain and enlighten multi-generational audiences.

It began its journey as a touring vocal ensemble of seniors who rock. The rock ensemble is comprised of seniors ages 60-99+. Now, a full decade later, Alive & Kickin has grown to redefine what it means to grow older.

Alive & Kickin supports and serves the senior population through the craft of music, empowerment of self-expression and the belief that you’re never too old to pursue your passion.

About 50 Over 50
AARP Minnesota and Pollen's 50 Over 50 list celebrates the hope, resilience, and contributions of those over the age of 50 who work tirelessly to make Minnesota better for all of us.

Since 2016, we’ve honored over 250 individuals from across the state of Minnesota who keep our communities connected, whole, and nourished; strengthen and grow our nonprofit sector; create a thriving culture; steward our economic resources and talent; and infuse the energy of innovation into industries, products, systems, and policies that improve our lives. Learn more about 50 Over 50 at 50over50mn.org.