Duluth Aging Support

01/05/2026

The Holiday Lunch, Learn, and Share was the perfect way to wrap up a great year!

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for another memorable gathering.

This event is part of our Duluth Age-Friendly initiative and hosted in collaboration with Svalja Whole-Being, DuluthParksMN, and Ecolibrium3 to promote social participation by bringing older community members together for food, connections, and meaningful learning opportunities.

P.S. If you attended the event and would like a copy of the photos, please email Mimi at mstender@duluthagingsupport.org.

12/25/2025

Wishing you a warm holiday season and a New Year filled with joy, love, and meaning!

From developing and funding age-friendly projects to changing the way we collectively talk about aging, we're grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our community.

Here’s to another year of advancing age-friendly work that helps all of us live and thrive at every age and stage of our lives.

12/25/2025

As part of our “People Behind Our Purpose” series, we’re excited to introduce you to Mimi Stender, the founder of Duluth Aging Support (DAS) and a passionate advocate for helping people of all ages, abilities, and incomes thrive as they grow older in our communities.

In addition to leading the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative in partnership with Ecolibrium3, Mimi also serves on the Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly Minnesota, co-founded the Arrowhead Changemakers, and continues to reshape how we collectively think and talk about aging.

When asked about her favorite part of growing older, Mimi said, “gaining a deeper appreciation for my family relationships, friendships, experiences of others, faith, learning new things, and living a life with purpose.”

12/25/2025

We’re inspired by this year’s winners of the AARP Purpose Prize, including Harold Garman and Spence Limbocker—two extraordinary leaders who are proving that life experience is a powerful force for good.

Rev. Garman and Spence co-founded the Gaithersburg Beloved Community Initiative (GBCI), a nonprofit that brings older adults and younger people together to build meaningful relationships.

Through mentoring programs, family support, and intergenerational connections, they’re helping neighbors of all ages thrive in their community.

Pairing older adults and young people in the surrounding community yields benefits for both

12/16/2025

If you're looking for a sign to look ahead, embrace growing older, and trust what's possible at every age and stage of life—this is it.

12/12/2025

With winter weather in full swing, we’re excited to continue our work with Be Minnesnowta Nice to help make Duluth a safer, accessible, and better place to live and thrive for people of all ages and abilities.

In addition to rolling out our first Sidewalk Snow Removal Pilot Program in partnership with Snow Scholars - Snow Removal By College Students and supporting partners, we’re also partnering with the Key Clubs at Denfeld High School and Duluth East High School to spread the word and encourage students to lend a helping hand with sidewalk snow removal in our community.

To learn more about this project, check out: https://duluthagingsupport.org/project/be-minnesnowta-nice-campaign/

11/27/2025

Gratitude has a way of lifting our spirits, positively enhancing our well-being, and deepening the connections we share with others.

As we grow older, practicing an attitude of gratitude helps us embrace every age and stage of life, notice the beauty in everyday moments, and find joy in the simple things that make life meaningful.

Wherever you are today, we hope you take a moment to give thanks and share a little extra gratitude with someone in your community.

11/26/2025

We’re excited to launch a new series, “People Behind Our Purpose,” highlighting the passionate individuals behind our mission to make Duluth a more livable, age-friendly community—one age-friendly project at a time.

Each month, we’ll spotlight one of the caring partners on our team and share one of their favorite things about growing older.

Because when we collectively embrace aging, we remind each other that it’s a journey we’re ALL on together.

11/24/2025

In a recent AARP article, Jay Leno shares that caring for his wife, Mavis, gave him a greater sense of purpose.

Though he acknowledges the challenges of caregiving for someone with dementia, he also says: “I like taking care of her…I enjoy her company” and considers himself “lucky” to be able to do it.

If you’re a caregiver in the Northland community, we’d love to hear about the joys you’ve found on your caregiving journey!

The former ‘Tonight Show’ host says, ‘I enjoy her company'

11/23/2025

Happy Saturday!

Just like Jane Goodall, we believe every day is an opportunity to grow, connect, and learn something new—big or small.

What meaningful lessons has growing older offered you lately?

11/17/2025

While caregiving can be fulfilling, it can also feel overwhelming when you can’t find the resources you need at the right time.

That’s why we created the Connect! for Caregivers Booklet—a FREE local guide designed to help caregivers in northeastern Minnesota get the support they need.

Developed in partnership with regional organizations and supported by the Essentia Health Foundation, this booklet connects caregivers to trusted local services, respite programs, and other support networks that make the caregiving journey a little lighter.

Want to learn more or download your FREE copy today? Check out our Connect! for Caregivers Booklet today!

A one-stop hub for caregiver support resources The Opportunity While resources for caregivers are available, the real challenge is connecting them to the right support at the right time. Many caregivers are unaware of the services available or find it challenging to navigate the complex system of re...

11/17/2025

Did you know November is Caregiver Appreciation Month?

Join us in honoring incredible caregivers in our community, like Cami.

We’re inspired by Cami’s story, featured in Episode 6 of the PBS North docuseries "Inside Senior Living," which explores the challenges of multi-generational caregiving, the realities of hospice care, and the importance of self-care.

https://pbsnorth.org/show/inside-senior-living/?episode=cami-vzfc4r&fbclid=IwY2xjawN6XORleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe8uMZ_jETISWYJ8BoKgYpF8to7D5kNMb6qf-H7b8JxVTyM0v_k3dl52S_jiA_aem_XjlLbz-2vRp7xxEZjDkdrQ

Cami, a dedicated caregiver in her 60s, juggles the care of her mother in hospice...