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Public Health Promotion

Increasing social connection for older adults in Hennepin County

Why social connection is important 

Loneliness and social isolation are linked to an increased risk of many negative health outcomes. This is especially true for older adults. These outcomes include mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Some communities — including first generation immigrants and LGBTQ people — are more likely to experience loneliness and social isolation.

 Age-Friendly Hennepin County works to help the county become a place where policies, services, and infrastructure related to the physical and social environment are designed to help all residents – especially older adults – live healthy, engaged, high-quality lives.

women exercising outside with other women

An older woman does exercises at an outdoor fitness class. Royalty free photo from Unsplash.

Social connectedness grants

In 2024, Hennepin County awarded grants to local organizations with a goal of promoting social connectedness among older adults within Hennepin County. Twenty-two organizations received funding. The organizations that received grants served an estimated 3,100 older adults at community events.

The events and activities facilitated by the community organizations varied widely. Here are some additional details on how two of the community organizations used these funds:

  • The Division of Indian Work ran a program for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren for people ages 60 and older. This program provided each participant transportation, lodging and a per diem to attend Pow Wows across the state. This program also provided social activities to help participants with social isolation in our urban community.
  • HAVEN Int’l ran a program designed to engage with older women who immigrated from African countries. The organization worked with the participants and rented a farm, bought seeds and equipment, planted culturally relevant vegetables, and collaborated with local farmers to pass on knowledge. The participants selected the things to grow and harvest, choosing many seeds native to their homelands. The group also took walks together, knitted and participated in storytelling with young people while on the farm.    

Valentine’s Day rose distribution

Hennepin County was awarded 100 roses by the organization Wish of a Lifetime through their Cupid Crew program to distribute to older adults in the community for Valentine’s Day 2025. To distribute the roses, Hennepin County partnered with four community organizations.

The roses and handwritten Valentine’s cards were provided to the community partners to be handed out to older adults on February 14. This program provided a social interaction for all older adults who received a rose, as well as the benefit of receiving a handwritten note and a fresh flower.

person holding a rose
A person holding red rose flower. Royalty free photo from Unsplash.

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