Reframe AgingMinnesota
Explore how you can be a part of this long-term social change and apply smarter ways to communicate about aging.
As we age, each of us is redefining the norms for what it means to live fully in our communities. Yet all too often, the way people think and talk about aging remains stuck in outdated narratives and ageist messages that effectively keep obsolete policies, practices, and programs in place. The research-based principles we use as part of Reframe Aging Minnesota are an antidote to this toxic thinking!
Research from the National Center to Reframe Aging shows us that when we expand the public's accurate understanding about aging, society will improve its attitude, value older adults as equal members of our communities, and increase the supports for the systems needing to change.
Together, we must lead this transformation in thinking!
Reframe Aging Minnesota is
co-led by the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota and the MN Leadership Council on Aging, with leadership from a dedicated Steering Committee.
2025 Events
This work is not fast nor easy. The FrameWorks Institute calls this "mindset shift" a critical step in disrupting deeply held mental models.
Shifting our culture can take decades, so we refer to these efforts as "a generation of work." As a leaders in Minnesota, we ask that you come along with us in this journey.
We are pleased to invite you to join us for a free series of virtual, one-hour conversations to help us delve deeper into learning about and practicing our skills as Framers.
All sessions will be held from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. via Zoom.
What to Expect
We use the ECHO model of "all teach, all learn" to create a space where we share information about a core concept of the Reframe Aging principles, then work through a relative Minnesota case study where we can practice and learn together.
SAMPLE AGENDA
10:00 Welcome and Updates
10:05 Presentation and Case Study
10:25 Breakout Discussions
10:45 Large Group Review
10:55 Closing Questions and Next Session Preview
11:00 Adjourn
Words Matter.
We know that the everyday language we use makes a difference. Check out and share these first two #agefriendlymn videos as a creative way to start a conversation with people in your personal or professional worlds. Together, we can role model better language choices in Minnesota. While these may seem like small examples, we know that big societal change grows from the small, everyday moments that add up over time.
Videos made possible thanks to Duluth Aging Support
Strategy
Minnesotans are problem-solvers. When we see an opportunity, we figure out how to seize it, and when we see something that isn't working, we rethink our approach. This statewide initiative is providing accessible tools and employable strategies that each of us can use in developing productive messages about aging. Working together, we are advancing three core strategies.
Shared Learning
Trusted Supports
We need your help!
Communication experts know that repetition matters, and only by working together as a coordinated sector can we achieve consistent repetition of tested strategies and narratives to reframe aging and shift the dialogue among opinion leaders.
Is this for you?
Yes! Our work is open to all, at no charge. We focus on leaders across the aging sector as well as communication experts and professionals who regularly talk or write about aging across healthcare, public health, government, the media, or social services.
Steering Committee
Chao Yang
Director of Equity and Engagement
MN Leadership Council on Aging
Mimi Stender
Founder
Duluth Aging Support
Tanya Rand
Clinical Faculty and
Coordinator of Aging Services
University of St. Thomas
Georgia Lane
Aging Services Planner
Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging
Andy Brown
Vice President of
Communications and Engagement
Trellis
Meghan Redmond
Associate State Director - Community Engagement
AARP Minnesota
Melissa Lyon
Community Development Specialist
Central Minnesota Council on Aging
Coordinators
Reframe Aging Minnesota is brought to you by
The Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation at the University of Minnesota and the
MN Leadership Council on Aging. Contact us today to learn more:
Faculty Director, LTC Administration and
Associate Director of Policy,
Center for Healthy Aging
and Innovation
University of Minnesota
National Leadership
In 2024, we embarked on a journey of shared learning and supports by offering a series of highly interactive and informative sessions. Watch this free one-hour introductory session, led by the National Center to Reframe Aging, to learn the foundations of this national movement.
GENERATIONS WORK: AN INTRODUCTION TO REFRAME AGING
National Resources
Our work is done in alignment with the National Center to Reframe Aging. Learn more about their work online. Join their caravan newsletter and check out some of the many free resources they are making available across the country. More at https://www.reframingaging.org/