Aging

Minnesotans are living longer and that trend is expected to continue. According to Minnesota State Demographic Center projections, the number of adults 65 years and older is anticipated to double between 2010 and 2030. That means 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be an older adult.

MPR News is looking at this shift and what it means to all of us.

Related: End in Mind delves into how our culture engages with loss, dying and death and offers resources to live more and fear less.

Long-term care CEOs: Pandemic pushing staff shortages to crisis levels
Minnesota long-term care leaders say they have 23,000 open positions and that the shortage has never been worse. That’s forcing some care facilities to restrict admissions. "We can't admit people if we don't have the staff to take care of them," one CEO says.
Walz calls for vaccine and testing requirements for teachers
Gov. Tim Walz is calling on lawmakers to approve a series of new measures to respond to the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine and testing requirements for teachers and school staff, and for long-term care workers. 
The #FreeBritney effect: Conservatorships under scrutiny
The #FreeBritney movement has highlighted the immense power that court-ordered guardians wield over their wards and raised alarms about the potential for abuse. Guest host Chris Farrell examined guardianships and conservatorships and explored steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of exploitation. 
Alzheimer's drug stirs hope for patients, worry for doctors
Doctors are trying to figure out who should get a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease which, at best, slows the fatal disease marginally. The drug's recent approval by the Food and Drug Administration has sparked both excitement and skepticism.
Author Lionel Shriver on her new book, ‘Should We Stay or Should We Go’
Is it better for life to end before it decays into something unrecognizable? That’s the question at the heart of Lionel Shriver’s new novel, which touches on themes of dementia, aging and how to die with dignity — but in a surprisingly playful way.
Humane society volunteer celebrates 100 years, and decades caring for dogs and cats
Charlotte Beegle has spent 33 years volunteering at the Golden Valley Animal Humane Society. For her 100th birthday Tuesday, the staff brought out cupcakes — and kittens.
Not Zoom weary? Older Minnesotans build on new tech savvy
Many people used various forms of video chatting through the pandemic to stay in touch with family. Just because they now can see loved ones in person doesn’t mean they’re able to do that all the time. So they’re now connecting in new ways with relatives and friends than before.
Under one roof: The rise in multigenerational living
Guest host Chris Farrell took a look at the rise in multigenerational living, its relationship to the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of this trend on families and society.