August 2026

SAVE THE DATE
Celebrating 25 Years of Vital Aging

Flyer Celebrating 25 Years of Vital Aging with a spiral of people holding hands

We are excited to mark the 25th anniversary of the Vital Aging Network.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, fun and connection.

Connect with others in fun activities
Learn about VAN's history and vision for the future
Get some great deals in our silent auction

Saturday, November 7

4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Fairview Community

Health and Wellness Hub

45 W Tenth St, Saint Paul

** FREE PARKING IN ATTACHED RAMP **

Ticket sales start October 1

Download a flyer

Self-determination Beyond the Personal

By Julie Roles, VAN Co-chair

I’ve been thinking about self-determination lately. At the Vital Aging Network, we believe in self-determination — that people have the capacity to make meaningful choices about their lives throughout their lives. Promoting self-determination is our mission and recognizing its importance is in keeping with our asset-based approach towards aging. We most often think of it in personal terms, but the concept of self-determination goes well beyond the personal to have important collective significance.

Quilted images of people standing in line to vote

“The Voter Line” by Minnesota Quilter Association quilter of the year, Carol Hancuh.
Photo by Julie Roles.

Self-determination requires a combination of skills, knowledge and beliefs. Being able to make decisions about one’s life impacts physical, emotional and social well-being. Threats to self-determination often comes to the forefront as people age, particularly if capacities shift and interdependence grows. When people lose decision-making power, they also lose self-worth and can withdraw psychologically.

Collective self-determination is a political concept that is embodied in a form of government rooted in the consent of the governed. A belief in collective self-determination was fundamental to our founding as a country. It was more broadly established in international law in the late 1800s and strengthened in the post-World-War-II era. It has evolved from a political concept to a human right. In free societies, voting is the primary method by which individuals express their desires and consent and, thereby, impact how they are governed.

Secretary of State Town Hall:
Election Administration in Minnesota

September 3, 2026 | 7–8 PM | Virtual webiner on Zoom

If you missed the July VAN Forum with Secretary of State Simon, this is an opportunity to learn about how Minnesota elections operate. Join Secretary Simon, Katy Johnson, Elections Specialist for Itasca County, and David Teigland, Eden Prairie City Clerk, for a conversation about how elections are administered across Minnesota. Open to all.

VITAL VOICES

Civic Discussions

VAN's Vital Voices brings people together to share their views, listen to others and support each other in taking action to make a better world.

We meet in-person on the 4th Monday of every month from 1:00 to 3:00 at HealthPartners Neuroscience Center in St. Paul.

New! We plan to kick off a version of Vital Voices in Apple Valley in September. Info coming soon!

Community Comment

"I retired several years ago and was looking for ways to socialize and continue learning. I found my connection at Wellness 50+. Have attended many of the exercise classes, line dancing, Zumba and yoga. It’s a way to laugh and have fun while exercising.

The classes offered on nutrition, downsizing and home improvement have all been worthwhile in helping me get new ideas. I am a crafty person and meeting others who like to create things is fun and I enjoy sharing our creations. Card making was especially handy before the holidays.

I am an active member of the health and wellness book club which meets at the Oakdale Library. It gives me an opportunity to read books I may not select myself but offer something new to learn."

Jean Jansen, Oakdale Wellness 50+ Participant

Upcoming VAN Events

Wellness 50+ Oakdale

Safety, Crime and Fire Prevention

Saturday, September 26 - 12:00 to 2:00 pm

Oakdale Discovery Center

Creating a Drought Resistance Yard

Monday, October 5 - 2:30 to 3:30

Oakdale Discovery Center

Find info about our regularly scheduled events on the Vital Aging Network calendar.

Wellness 50+ Twin Cities

St. Croix Bluffs Park Hike

Tuesday, September 1 | 10 am - 12 pm

Come hike with us on a free first Tuesday at Washington County's St. Croix Bluffs Park. We will hike the dirt trail along the St. Croix river for approximately 2.5 or 3 miles.

Kayak Mississippi River

Monday, September 21 | 9:45 am – 12 pm

We will paddle a channel of the Mississippi river putting in at Lions Levee Park in St. Paul Park. This paddle has provided good bird watching opportunities in the past during the start of the fall migration. We provide kayak rentals through Wahoo Adventures ($30 plus fees) or you can bring your own ($10 plus fees).

Kerri Kolstad of Wahoo Adventures is retiring and closing her business. This will be the last paddle with Wahoo Adventures. We will be working on finding another kayak rental outfitter for next year. Thank you Kerri for supporting Wellness 50+ over the years and being a wonderful partner allowing us to get out paddling on lakes and rivers.

Biking Mississippi River Trail

Monday, September 28 | 9:45 am – 12:30 pm

We will bike on the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) starting at Kaposia Landing in South St. Paul. The ride will stop at the Swing Bridge Park in Inver Grove Heights. Distance will be approximately 14 miles with shorter routes available by turning around earlier..

Good to Know

(Click the title to access the article.)

An Expert on Conflict Says Your Relationships Are Doomed Without It

The New York Times (gift link)

In her new book, “The Art of Fighting,” the conflict resolution facilitator Priya Parker argues that we could use more of it, and need to be a lot better at it.

Caregiver Education Series

FamilyMeans

FamilyMeans is a multi-service, nonprofit organization based in Stillwater. They are offering caregiving education sessions starting soon. Visit the FamilyMeans website for information about all upcoming classes and events or download a flyer about the caregiver education series.

When Climate Change Hits an Aging Population: Heat’s threat is Underestimated, Study Says

NBC News

New research suggests that in a warming world, heat could be deadlier for older people than previous estimates have indicated.

Vitality Arts at Mia

The Minnesota Institute of Arts’ Vitality Arts programs are five-week art-making workshops for adults 55 and older. These workshops, led by professional teaching artists, encourage older adults to tap into their creativity and connect with the museum’s collection. Mia offers scholarships and sliding-scale ticket prices to accommodate all learners—and no experience is necessary. All materials are provided for the duration of the class.

What Is a Password Manager? Time to Log in Safer

National Cybersecurity Alliance

A password manager is the best way to stop reusing passwords and keep your collection safe. They are also very easy to use once you get started!

Have an interest in finances?

VAN is looking for an additional member for our Finance Committee. We are looking for someone who has an interest in financial management and some experience with business or nonprofit financial management. The position would involve meeting for an hour monthly to review financial statements and discuss issues related to finance. As our budget is small, our finances are straightforward. Email Mary Quirk if you'd like to help!

Communications Volunteer

Would you like to help VAN accomplish its communications tasks? Do you have experience with Constant Contact? Are you a social media wiz? Do you like to write or edit articles? We could use your help. Email Julie Roles if you'd like to help!

Help Sustain VAN's Work

Since 2001, the Vital Aging Network has been creating opportunities for older adults to gather and engage in the shared purpose of making our lives and our communities stronger and healthier.

Will you help put the Vital Aging Network on a path of stability for 2026?

Donate today!