Duluth Aging Support

11/07/2025

According to research, people with a positive perception of aging live 7.5 years longer.

Furthermore, embracing positive attitudes toward aging can enhance your quality of life and foster a stronger, more inclusive community for people of all ages.

With your support, we can actively challenge ageism and champion an age-friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage and age of life.

To learn more about this campaign and how you can make waves to end ageism, visit https://duluthagingsupport.org/project/lets-make-waves-to-end-ageism/

10/14/2025

Reframing aging doesn’t end with Ageism Awareness Day.

Every day is another chance to challenge stereotypes, rethink assumptions, and make an age-friendly Arrowhead Region where people of ALL ages feel valued and included.

Here are 5 ways you can make waves to end ageism:

🌊 Reframe the Narrative Around Aging — change stereotypical associations with getting older by embracing realistic ideas of the aging experience, by reframing it as a positive process for all of us to accept and adapt to.

🌊 Embrace Inclusive Language — always drop the “ly” in “elderly” and swap ageist terms like “old”, “seniors”, or “young” with more inclusive and neutral language like “older” or “younger.”

🌊 Consider Images Carefully — explore more positive and realistic images of older adults that showcase a wider representation of the aging experience for all of us. Avoid pictures that focus on frailty or make fun of getting older.

🌊 Take a Stand to End Ageism — commit to recognizing, spreading awareness, and taking action to challenge age-related stereotypes, biases, and everyday conversations by taking a stand to end ageism.

🌊 Create Intergenerational Connections — encourage and participate in intergenerational activities that build bridges of understanding, appreciation, and shared life experiences, further cultivating meaningful relationships.

To learn more about this campaign and how you can make waves to end ageism, visit https://duluthagingsupport.org/project/lets-make-waves-to-end-ageism/

10/10/2025

We’re proud to stand alongside the St. Louis County, Minnesota board in officially declaring October 9 as Ageism Awareness Day to help recognize the challenges we all face as we grow older and the efforts underway to make our communities more inclusive and welcoming places for people of all ages and stages of life.

As we grow older together, we want to ensure Duluth continues to offer strong social connections, meaningful opportunities to contribute, and a seat at the table where our voices are heard in decisions and plans.

That means access to safe, affordable housing, reliable transportation, quality healthcare, and age-friendly policies that support every aspect of our lives.

The St. Louis County board has designated Thursday, October 9th, as "Ageism Awareness Day."

10/10/2025

Today is Ageism Awareness Day!

Ageism is a prevalent issue that impacts our society and arises when age is unfairly used to categorize and divide us, leading to harmful consequences.

Beyond perpetuating damaging stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination that divide our community, ageism also undermines our mental health, physical well-being, and fundamental human rights.

Join us to and champion an age-friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage of life.

To learn more about this project and how you can make waves to end ageism, visit https://duluthagingsupport.org/project/lets-make-waves-to-end-ageism/

09/30/2025

As a trusted partner in age-friendly work, we're committed to building inclusive and welcoming communities where everyone can live, love, and thrive at every age and stage of life.

That includes enhancing accessibility and fostering creative, age-friendly solutions through initiatives like Duluth Age-Friendly and Be Minnesnowta Nice.

This week, we invite you to participate in the challenge as a way to experience what it’s like to get around Duluth firsthand by commuting by bus, bike, or on foot.

Did you know this week is National Week Without Driving?

For many Minnesotans, hopping in the car may feel like second nature. However, nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S. don’t have that option.

If you usually drive, our friends at Zeitgeist Duluth and Arc Northland invite you to experience the challenges others may face while fostering an inclusive, accessible community for all by commuting by bus, bike, or foot this week.

P.S. Don't forget to share your experience and tag Zeitgeist Duluth, Arc Northland, and Be Minnesnowta Nice with for a chance to win fun prizes!

09/30/2025

At Duluth Aging Support, we believe everyone deserves to grow older with dignity, and that starts with the words we use.

“Elderspeak” occurs when older adults are spoken to in sing-song tones, referred to as “sweetie” or “honey,” or addressed with overly controlling language. While often unintentional, it can feel demeaning and even lead to resistance to care.

To learn more about the harmful effects of elderspeak and how you can communicate, support, and advocate better for those you care for, check out this article from AARP.

Sing-songy tones and baby talk may hurt your loved ones, not help them

09/24/2025

With Grandparents Appreciation Month underway, we’re continuing to shine the light on the incredible stories of grandfamilies like Paul, Fran, and Jan through the MN Grandfamilies Project as part of the Northland Diversity in Aging Series (NDIA).

While raising grandchildren can bring its share of challenges to grandfamilies, it can also enrich their lives in the most meaningful ways.

Tune in to hear more from grandfamilies in your community today and discover the joys they’ve found along the way.

Welcome to Part 3 of the “MN Grandfamilies Project: The Joy of Grandfamilies,” brought to you by Duluth Age-Friendly in collaboration with Duluth Aging…

09/19/2025

Nothing fills our hearts more than celebrating the grandparents and grandfamilies who help our community grow 💐

As part of the Duluth Age-Friendly's Grand Bloom Giveaway, we’re taking some time today to hand-deliver flowers to honor some of the incredible grandparents and grandfamilies that make Duluth a more age-friendly place to live!

Because when we take the time to recognize the older adults in our community, we take another step toward building a better community for all ages and stages of life.

09/17/2025

We couldn’t agree more with Alan Cumming’s perspective on aging…

It’s a beautiful journey we should all celebrate, honor, and embrace at every age and stage of our lives!

What’s one thing you’re finding beautiful about growing older lately? Let us know in the comments below.

09/12/2025

Do you know a business that goes above and beyond to make our community more inclusive for people of all ages and abilities?

For the 4th consecutive year, the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging (AAAA) is honoring businesses with the Aging Impact Awards. From taking steps to make accessibility improvements like clear signage or snow removal to inclusive hiring practices that train staff to welcome customers of all ages and abilities, these awards celebrate age-friendly businesses making a meaningful impact in your community.

To submit your nomination, visit bit.ly/AgingImpactAward2025, call 218-529-7525, or email agefriendlyarrowhead@ardc.org by September 19, 2025!

09/12/2025

In honor of Grandparents Appreciation Month, we’re highlighting the incredible stories of grandfamilies like Paul, Fran, and Jan through the MN Grandfamilies Project as part of the Northland Diversity in Aging Series (NDIA).

From navigating the complexities of the legal system to seeking support from peers and the community and balancing relationships with their grandchildren’s birth parents, grandfamilies are a powerful reminder of the strength they bring to our community.

Tune in to hear their stories and learn more about the unique challenges grandfamilies face today.

Welcome to Part 2 of the “MN Grandfamilies Project: The Challenges for Grandfamilies,” brought to you by Duluth Age-Friendly in collaboration with Duluth…

09/08/2025

Advancing age-friendly initiatives is about prioritizing accessibility, safety, and connection for everyone in our community.

This year, we're excited to support the launch of the Be Minnesnowta Nice Snow Removal Pilot Program, in partnership with Snow Scholars - Snow Removal By College Students to help make Duluth a more accessible, safe, and connected community for people of all ages and stages in life.

You may qualify for snow removal support if:

❄️ You’re unable to afford snow removal services and face physical limitations or a disability, with no family, neighbor, or support available to assist

❄️ Your home is small to medium-sized and within the City of Duluth, with a driveway ≤ 4 car lengths x 1 car width

❄️ Your sidewalk is ≤ 150 ft (longer sidewalks may be considered with an extra charge), with a reasonable-sized walkway for a person to shovel

With limited spots available for a limited time, we encourage you to reach out early to learn more and see if you’re eligible by emailing hello@duluthagingsupport.org by October 1, 2025.

It may not feel like it just yet, but snow season is right around the corner, and we know that safe, accessible sidewalks make a big difference for everyone in our community.

That’s why we’re proud to launch the Be MinneSNOWta NICE Snow Removal Pilot Program in partnership with Snow Scholars - Snow Removal By College Students and Duluth Aging Support—an initiative that helps community members keep their properties clear, safe, and accessible all winter long.

You may qualify for snow removal support if:

❄️ You’re unable to afford snow removal services and face physical limitations or a disability, with no family, neighbor, or support available to assist

❄️ Your home is small to medium-sized and within the City of Duluth, with a driveway ≤ 4 car lengths x 1 car width

❄️ Your sidewalk is ≤ 150 ft (longer sidewalks may be considered with an extra charge), with a reasonable-sized walkway for a person to shovel

With limited spots available for a limited time, we encourage you to reach out early to learn more and see if you’re eligible by emailing hello@duluthagingsupport.org by October 1, 2025.