A bill specifying criteria for building communities with the aging population as its focus was passed 92-36 by the House April 14.
Sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls), HF936 would define “communities for a lifetime” as partnerships of small cities, counties, municipalities, charter cities and towns whose citizens extend supportive services to persons age 65 and older to help them continue to be contributing, civically engaged residents.
The bill now goes to the Senate where Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato) is the sponsor.
“We are facing this coming age wave and it’s important we start thinking about it,” said Thissen. Creating such communities would allow people to stay in their communities and have access to an array of services, he said.
Under the bill, “communities for a lifetime” would have to offer opportunities such as:
• participating in the paid workforce with flexible schedule and hours;
• socializing, recreation and wellness activities, including both physical exercise and mental stimulation;
• a variety of affordable, accessible housing options, including single-family housing, independent congregate senior housing and senior housing services;
• community-wide mobility and access to public transportation, including door-to-door assistance and weekend and evening access; and
• an array of home and community-based services to support seniors’ options to remain in an independent living setting as they age and become more frail.
“I think it will get our communities thinking a little bit more about this,” said Rep. Steve Gottwalt (R-St. Cloud). The first baby boomers are going to retire next year and the state isn’t prepared, he said.
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