Healthy Aging


The Minnesota State Legislature made an appropriation to the Long-Range Planning Team to produce a multi-sector healthy aging plan with a focus on implementation by April 1, 2027. In this plan, MMB will:

  • Prioritize producing a plan that seeks to support Minnesota’s growing population of aging adults and promote vibrant and healthy aging throughout the lifespan.
  • Incorporate voices of the public, especially older Minnesotans and their families.
  • Look to the Legislative Task Force on Aging and its recommendations for guidance on the planning process and content.

The long term goal of of this work is to make Minnesota a vibrant and healthy place to age for all.

Project goals

  1. Develop a common agenda.
  2. Create a healthy aging multi-sector plan focused on implementation that engages older adults and adds value to current efforts. Submit to the state legislature by April 1, 2027.
  3. Advance current aging planning efforts by leveraging MMB’s unique strengths.
  4. Elevate the voices of older adults across our goal areas, especially plan development.
  5. Elevate importance of healthy aging across taste government.

Opportunities for Engagement

Attend Office Hours
Join MMB staff to hear updates, learn what the Guidance Group for Healthy Aging is discussing, ask questions and share reflections.

Office Hours #1: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 from 9-10 a.m.
Join link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/241682665909771?p=yQYHG0aWCVJdg8WX5P
Meeting ID: 241 682 665 909 771
Passcode: oP62m2Tn

Office Hours #2: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026 from 9-10 a.m.
Join link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/213294471588872?p=2HQ2l98AyYGbRJycwL
Meeting ID: 213 294 471 588 872
Passcode: Yr9V8gF7

Mid-December - Mid-January: Provide written input on Healthy Aging Plan draft
Dates to be announced. If you would like to provide written comments on draft components of MMB’s Healthy Aging Plan, please send an email to ann.zukoski1@state.mn.us. You will be notified when the comment period opens.

Project Overview

Phase 1 — Launch and Scoping

July 2025-March 2026

  • Hire Director of Healthy Aging and Senior Healthy Aging Fellow.
  • Conduct a landscape analysis. 
  • Establish and strengthen relationships with key partners.
  • Develop workplans for project goal areas.

Phase 2 — Define Plan Components and Support Implementation Activities

April 2026-July 2026

  • Conduct community conversations.  Gather with public, private, academic, and community partners to build relationships and lay the groundwork for successful implementation.
  • Community engagement. Launch community engagement efforts to understand lived-experiences of aging Minnesotans across different communities
  • Research and data. Conduct background research to inform recommendations
  • Emerging strategies. Gather strategies and ideas throughout the process to support final recommendations.

Phase 3 — Implementation

August 2026-April 2027

  • Convene Guidance Group. This group will review findings and draft recommendations.
  • Continue to conduct research. Information will support Guidance Group discussions and recommendations.
  • Finalize plan. Develop recommendations and implementation plans. Seek feedback, revise and finalize written plan before disseminating plan.

Progress Updates

Partner Outreach
MMB has completed more than 80 individual and small-group conversations across the healthy aging ecosystem. Priorities, gaps, and ideas gathered through these discussions will inform the plan due April 1, 2027.
Community Engagement
By November, MMB will complete eight focus groups and ten listening sessions with older Minnesotans, including communities not traditionally represented in statewide planning. Stories collected will help shape recommendations and will be archived in the Minnesota StoryCollective: https://mn.gov/mmb/mnstorycollective/
Government Interviews & Research
MMB is reviewing national and state models to understand how governments organize and coordinate resources that support healthy aging.
Guidance Group
A 16-member Guidance Group began meeting on Sept. 10. Members represent multiple sectors and regions. The group will meet six times between September and January to review emerging recommendations. This input will be one component of the final plan. To request the member list, email ann.zukoski1@state.mn.us.
Looking Ahead
Draft recommendations will be shared in mid-December through mid-January for public review and written feedback. MMB will notify stakeholders when the input window opens.