AARP Minnesota's 19 Highlights of 2019

AARP Minnesota has had a busy 12 months. We’ve been all over the state of Minnesota, empowering and advocating for Minnesotans over 50. Here is a peek at 19 of the things AARP Minnesota accomplished this year:


1. Elder Abuse Legislation: AARP and volunteer advocated claimed victory after coming to a consensus with the long term care industry on a bill that requires that licensure of assisted living facilities and strengthens the rights of older and vulnerable adults.

2. Prescription Drug Price Solutions Forum: In a forum livestreamed from St. Paul out to eight locations around the state, Minnesotans gathered to learn more about the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs, what might mean in the future, and what they can do to #StopRxGreed.

3. 2019 50 Over 50 Honorees Named: AARP honored a new group of 50 individuals who are shattering myths around what it means to age as they are changemakers in fields like Business, Arts, Nonprofit, Community, and Disruption

4. Frank Abagnale Visits Rochester, MN: Famed ex-con and current FBI advsior Frank Abagnale visited Rochester to share fraud preventions tips and advise consumers on how to keep themselves safe from scams.

5. AARP Stop Rx Greed campaign: Launched in March, this national campaign led the charge for 39 new state laws and regulations to curtail drug costs, including Minnesota.

6. AARP at the State Fair: AARP had four different locations at the Great Minnesota Get-Together, giving away prices, playing trivia, and educating consumers about AARP’s #StopRxGreed campaign.

7. Healthy Aging Forums: AARP presented Healthy Aging Forums In partnership with local community centers like Sabathani and Nokomis with guest speakers focusing on healthy living after 50.

8. Movie Night at the Ballpark: This August, AARP hosted the fifth annual Movie Night at the Ballpark at St. Paul’s CHS Field and showed A League of Their Own to viewers in the stands and the outfield.

9. AARP in the Community: AARP popped up at various community events throughout the summer, including Twin Cities Pride and Selby Jazz Fest, to register participants for bike sweepstakes and share information about the #StopRxGreed campaign.

10. Community Challenge Grant Winners: Communities in Northfield, Grand Rapids, Hamline-Midway, and North Minneapolis were granted funds to make their communities more livable for everyone per AARP’s Livable Communities standards.

11. On Tap: AARP hosted several On Tap events at local breweries around the metro area, where with a non-perishable food item or cash donation, participants were given a free beer and a tour of the brewery.

12. Strong Towns Forum in Rochester: AARP joined with Strong Towns founder and guest speaker Chuck Marohn to lead a discussion on downtown development in Rochester and creating a stronger community.

13. St. Paul Classic Bike Ride: Riders took to the streets in the 25th Annual St. Paul Classic Bike Ride presented by AARP. Cyclists could choose between a variety of routes and AARP members were eligible for discounts on admittance fees.

14. Rock and Roll Book Club: The Current and AARP teamed up to create a list of the best music reads of all time, presenting the winners at a happy hour at Number 12 Cider in Minneapolis.

15. Scam Jams: As a part of the Fraud Watch Network, AARP presented Scam Jams across the state, where consumers learn about scammers’ latest tricks and how to protect their assets.

16. Resource Guide Update: To provide caregivers across the state a cohesive resource document with the proper information to care for the ones they love, AARP updated the Minnesota Caregiving Resource guide with accessible information for all Minnesotans.

17. Governor’s Council: Governor Tim Walz announced efforts to make Minnesota an age-friendly society with the help of the Governor's Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota with the help of state agencies, tribal leades, local government, businesses, citizens, and nonprofits like AARP.

18. AARP New Office: The AARP Minnesota state office moved from downtown St. Paul to 1919 University Ave W #500. Visitor parking is available on the west side of the building.

19. Events at the Information Center: The AARP Information Center in the Mall of America continued to host events, including the Wilder Walk and Talk group and conversation sessions.



While it’s been a full year at AARP Minnesota, there is more planned for 2020! Event updates and information about information that matters most to Minnesotans 50+ are posted on the website and social media regularly.