At Eco3, we talk a lot about building equitable, sustainable communities. What that actually looks like in practice is people, neighbors, volunteers, students, retirees, and people of all ages coming together to learn, grow, and build a welcoming and inclusive community for all ages. That idea is at the heart of something bigger happening right here in Duluth.
Ecolibrium3 is proud to co-lead the Duluth Age-Friendly initiative, alongside Duluth Aging Support. Duluth Age-Friendly is part of the AARP Age-Friendly Communities Network, a global movement of cities and towns committed to making their communities great places to live at every age. Age-Friendly Communities focus on things like accessible transportation, affordable housing, social inclusion, and community health.
One of the domains we care most about is keeping people socially connected and engaged, and that’s where lifelong learning comes in.
Learning keeps us connected at every age.
Lifelong learning is about more than just taking a class. It’s also about staying curious, trying something new, meeting people you wouldn’t have otherwise met, and building skills that make you more confident to show up in your community, work, and life.
According to research from AARP, 64% of adults identify lifelong learning as personally important, and the desire to keep learning doesn’t have to fade as we grow older. If anything, it can deepen. When people have opportunities to learn alongside each other, they feel less isolated and more connected to their community. In other words, lifelong learning isn’t just good for us individuals; it’s good for all of us as a community.
Learning at the Urban Farm: Dirt under your fingernails is optional.
One of our favorite places to learn is our Urban Farm. Our workshop provides a place where community members of all ages can learn about sustainable gardening, composting, soil health, and more.
And the best part, gardening is genuinely good for you at any age. It’s a great physical activity. It’s meditative. It’s social because it connects you to where your food comes from and to people you may have never met otherwise. Whether you’ve been gardening for decades or you’ve never touched a trowel, you’re always welcome at the farm. From beginners to experienced growers, our workshops are truly designed for all (no green thumb required).
Stay tuned for more lifelong learning happening across Duluth.
Our work is just one piece of a much bigger picture in building an age-friendly ecosystem. Over the coming weeks, our Duluth Age-Friendly partners will be sharing information about lifelong learning opportunities happening throughout the city. From the library and local colleges to community health education, art programs, and more, we’re excited to shine a light on all the opportunities for lifelong learning across Duluth.
In the meantime, check out upcoming workshops at the Urban Farm and follow Duluth Age-Friendly on Facebook and Instagram for lifelong learning opportunities from Duluth Age-Friendly partners coming your way. Because in our community, learning really is for everyone, and there’s always something new to discover.