Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are leading a transformative effort to improve community health. The Healthy Living as You Age initiative builds a network of evidence-based programs to help people manage chronic conditions, prevent falls and more. The initiative leverages the AAAs’ strong foundation of knowledge and experience with evidence-based health promotion programs. New partnerships with health care and community-based organizations will broaden the statewide reach and impact.

Approximately 35 percent of insured Minnesotans have at least one chronic condition and a large percentage have two or more. The cost of treating chronic diseases in Minnesota is estimated at $5 billion annually, about 83 percent of total medical and drug spending. In addition, falling is a major threat to well-being, especially for older adults. One in five falls results in serious injury. Minnesota ranks fourth in the nation in fall-related deaths among people age 65+. Healthy Living programs help people take an active role in their health and well-being. Participants experience improved health and quality of life and, at the same time, reduce the need for costly medical interventions.

MNRAAA’s Health Care Partnership Developer for Healthy Living as You Age is Lynn Buckley. Healthy Living as You Age is funded through a private foundation and its managing partner is the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging.