Olmsted County Vital Aging Commission
The Vital Aging Commission advises the County Board on issues affecting elders and their families, and advocates for the interests and needs of our aging population.
Membership Information: 17 members are appointed by the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners, to serve 2 year terms. No less than 3 of the 17 members must live in Olmsted County communities outside the City of Rochester.  1 Olmsted County Commissioner also serves as a voting member. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month from 11:30 pm – 2:00 pm. For additional information or an application, contact: Mary Gorfine, Olmsted County Administration 151 SE 4th Street Rochester, MN  55904 Phone:  507 328-6005 Email the Vital Aging Commission
Creating a More Senior Friendly Community    aims/Committees   2009 – 2010 Priorities   Recognize elders as essential community assets Create opportunities for intergenerational activities. Encourage senior involvement in community decision-making. Recognize senior friendly businesses and workplaces.   Enhance quality of life through health and wellness Partner with medical and educational organizations to gather information and tips on health and wellness in older adults – develop recommendations based on findings and present to the County Board. Research technology that allows older adults to live independently longer. Facilitate access to community resources Support older adults who need/wish to continue working Encourage volunteering among older adults. (Coordinate with Assets Committee) Gather input from older adults about timely issues and concern – report findings to the County Board. .   2006 - 2009 Partnerships and Activities
Enhance quality of life for older adults with an emphasis on health, wellness, and independence.  Awarded Rochester Area Foundation grant for KNXR radio broadcast on KNXR in Rochester.  5 minute twice weekly broadcasts beginning late October 2008 through September 2009. Advised the County Board of Commissioners to adopt a County-wide ordinance banning smoking in all public buildings and workplaces.  Participants in Olmsted Steps to a Healthier Rochester through Public Health Services. Co-sponsors of Coffee and Conversation event focused on the Olmsted County Falls Prevention Collaborative	Hosted Town Hall Meeting at Government Center with partners with AARP on 2008 Divided We Fail initiatives. Conducted a study of Universal Design (UD) /recommended that the County Board consider UD principals be considered in any new or renovated County facilities.
Improve access to information and resources.  2009 "input" sessions" in the county so that older adults will have an opportunity to discuss issues affecting our aging population.   Awarded a 2008 grant from Olmsted County Research and Development to create seating in  "senior friendly seating" in the Government Center loggia. Promote the Senior Linkage Line through the SE MN Area Agency on Aging as a one stop shop for seniors and their families who need help accessing resources or programming. Studied transportation options in Olmsted County for older adults.
	Promote older adults as essential community assets.  Partner with the Rochester Senior Center, Southeaster Minnesota Area Agency on Aging, and Southeastern Minnesota Center for Independent Living on a new certification program for "Elder Friendly Businesses". Study and research employer/employee issues affecting elders in our workforce. Presented informational workshop at 2008 Association of Minnesota Counties Conference held in Rochester.
Other Community Links Elder Network Senior Services Learning is Forever (LIFE) Southeastern MN Center For Independent Living Rochester Senior Center Southeastern MN Area AGency on Aging American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Minnesota Help Line/Senior LInkage Line Experience Works Employment Retired Senior Volunteer Program Senior LInkage LIne (information and referral for seniors and their families 1-800-333-2433
Olmsted County Senior Summit The Senior Summit was a full day of discussion identifying and locating services for our growing "aging community.  It is key to our community prosperity that we identify the assets this age wave possesses and utilize them in a constructive way. Participants included a number of elected officials, including County Board members, City Council members, township representatives, school board members, members of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate.  .  The following link is the final report Senior Summit - "Are We a Senior-Friendly Community" Final Report (PDF - 1.1 MB)    Vital Aging Commission/KNXR Radio Broadcasts Introduction to the Vital Aging Commission (MP3 - 4.6MB) Older adults and depression – Mary Doucette, Nurse Practitioner (MP3 - 5.4MB) Senior scams – Darrell Hildebrandt, Rochester Police Department (MP3 - 4.8MB) Preventing falls among older adults – Olmsted County Falls Collaborative (MP3 - 5.1MB) Elder friendly business certification – Vicki Dalle-Molle, Southeastern MN Center for Independent Living and Sally Gallagher, Rochester Senior Center (MP3 - 5.0MB) Elder friendly exercise options – Rochester Area Family Y (MP3 - 4.9MB) Elder friendly building and remodeling – Rochester Building Safety (MP3 - 4.7MB) Alzheimers Disease – Dr. Ron Peterson, Mayo Clinic (MP3 - 5.3MB) Rochester Senior Center advocacy program – Vicki Lawrence (MP3 - 4.9MB) Living independently in place – Lisa Harrison Hadler, Southeastern MN Center for Independent Living (MP3 - 5.0MB)