Advancing Age-Friendly Communities
Reimagining better communities for every age
Since 2021, we’ve proudly co-led the Duluth Age-Friendly initiative alongside Duluth Aging Support and a growing network of community partners. This work is part of a growing local movement to ensure Duluth becomes a place where people of all ages can live with dignity, stay connected, and thrive.
By working together to identify real challenges, highlight opportunities, and implement practical solutions that improve the quality of life as we grow older, we can create a more age-friendly Duluth for all people of all ages and stages of life today and for future generations.
Why It Matters
Because age-friendly communities work better for all of us!
Our mission at Ecolibrium3 is to inspire and lead change in our community toward an equitable and sustainable future. Supporting age-friendly communities is a natural extension of that work.
That means, working together to create an age-friendly community where:
- People can move safely and comfortably through their neighborhoods
- Transportation, essential services, and community resources are accessible
- Housing supports independence and the ability to safely age in place
- Community systems are designed with people of all ages in mind
- Aging is respected, celebrated, and seen as a natural part of life
By applying an age-friendly lens to our work, we help ensure that policies, programs, and physical environments support wellbeing at every stage of life while removing barriers that can make it harder for all of us to stay connected, independent, and engaged as we grow older.
From Planning to Action
Working towards an age-friendly community through awareness, connection, and community
Through the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative, Ecolibrium3 and partners focus on the Eight Domains of Livability by:
- Raising awareness and building understanding: Sharing practical information that helps reduce ageism and makes homes, businesses, and public spaces more welcoming and easier to use for people of all ages.
- Connecting local efforts: Working with partners across housing, transportation, health, and community services so support is more coordinated and easier to access.
- Centering community voices: Listening to residents, especially older adults, and supporting them as leaders in shaping solutions that reflect real-life experiences and needs.
Our work is prioritized and organized under the Eight Domains of Livability framework. This work helps translate planning into action, creating tangible improvements in how our community supports us all at every stage of life.
Current Work
Check out how we are currently advancing age-friendly communities!
Walking Wellness Uplift
As part of our commitment to holistic wellbeing, we offer Walking Wellness Uplift to help maintain mobility, foster positive social connections, and improve access to healthy foods.
Our weekly Walking Wellness class is more than just exercise. It’s an age-friendly space for building relationships, reducing isolation, and supporting physical and mental well-being.
Healthy Homes: Aging in Place
Safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient homes support well-being at every stage of life. When homes are designed with safety, comfort, and accessibility in mind, factors like indoor temperature, air quality, lighting, and thoughtful design make it easier for people to live independently and age in place.
Through our energy assessment services, households can identify ways to enhance safety through simple screenings and home modifications, improve comfort, and reduce energy costs.
Learn More
Contact us and follow along with our newsletter for more information!
Action Plan
Learn More About Duluth Age-Friendly
Find Out the Latest
Always stay up to date on our age-friendly programming!
Social Connection as We Age: A Foundation for Age-Friendly Communities
Social connection is a universal human need—we are wired for belonging at every age. Yet, as we age, staying socially connected can become more difficult. Changes in health or mobility, the loss of loved ones, retirement, transportation barriers, and winter weather can all limit opportunities to connect.
Winter Is Better When We Come Together
Accessible, walkable communities year-round is a key focus of Duluth Age-Friendly to ensure our built environment supports health, mobility, and social connection across the lifespan. That’s why we’re proud to support Be MinneSNOWta NICE, to make Duluth a better place to live by encouraging neighbors to help neighbors with snow removal.
Welcome Georgia, Director of Aging Initiatives
In the newly established role of Director of Aging Initiatives, Georgia Lane brings 20+ years of leadership in the aging services sector. As Director of Aging Initiatives, Georgia will guide and strengthen current Duluth Age-Friendly projects and programs.
Join Walking Wellness Uplift!
We have recently expanded our wellness programming to include Walking Wellness Uplift, an elder-centered, holistic health experience. Every Thursday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., elders gather at the Lincoln Park Community Center.
Duluth Age-Friendly Survey Winners
Congratulations to our 6 LNPK gift card winners, and a big thank you to everyone who provided their feedback on our 2022 community survey!