The Legislative Task Force on Aging met for its ninth meeting this past Friday at the Capitol. The Intergenerational Public Health Interest Group – A Collaboration Between the University of Minnesota Aging Studies Interdisciplinary Group and The Pillars of Prospect Park testified before the task force.

The group is made up of University of Minnesota students and residents of The Pillars of Prospect Park, owned by LeadingAge Minnesota member Ebenezer. The group cares deeply about how the state of Minnesota moves forward with policy that affects aging populations in Minnesota.  Shared their stories with the task force.

Highlights:

• Diane Justice, a resident of the Pillars of Prospect Park testified to the childcare program offered at the Pillars of Prospect Park and how that program gives residents opportunities for intergenerational interaction. Diane retired after a long career in aging and long-term care programs. Diane worked in Washington D.C. as assistant secretary in the Federal Department of Health and Human Services, CEO of the National Association of State Agencies on Aging, and the Research Director of at the National Academy of State Health Policy. As a result of her extensive career, she states that the state programs for aging in Minnesota are some of the best in the country. She cautioned that the budget for long-term care and aging services will need to increase almost annually to accommodate the state’s rapidly aging population.
• Jean Kinsey and her husband Frank, both residents of the Pillars of Prospect Park and professors emeriti at the University of Minnesota, testified before the task force. Jean and Frank moved from their townhome 13 months ago because health events prevented them from aging in place. Frank testified that as an older adult with mobility issues, his life will be affected firsthand by decisions made at the Capitol. Jean and Frank wanted the task force to note that it is imperative that older adults be given the opportunity and space to participate in advocacy at the legislative level regarding legislation that affects them.

What Next?

The testimony that the Legislative Task Force on Aging heard from residents of The Pillars of Prospect Park highlights the need for the state to properly fund long-term care and other aging services in order to preserve access to the care Minnesota’s older adult population needs in their own communities. The Legislative Task Force on Aging is scheduled to meet again on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.