Vital Aging Network

Empowering Minnesotans to be vital, live fully, and contribute to community throughout life

Founded in 2001, the Vital Aging Network (VAN) works to promote self-determination, civic engagement, and personal growth for people as they age. We achieve those goals by providing education, leadership development, and opportunities for connection.  (VAN is based in the Minnesota Twin Cities.)

VAN provides avenues for you to:

Learn. Keep up with what is going on in the world, add to your knowledge about vital aging, or just experience the joy of learning. VAN provides opportunities to share your wisdom and learn from others at in-person and online forums, and in classroom experiences. (Check out VAN's Aging with Gusto series at https://vital-aging-network.org)

Engage. Staying connected is key to vital aging. VAN helps you learn ways to be an active part of your community. The connections you find through VAN will add depth and dimension to your life and add value in your community. (Check out the opportunities for involvement and fellowship through VAN's Wellness 50+ offerings at https://vital-aging-network.org)

Lead. We all share responsibility for fostering environments in which people thrive, promoting harmony with nature, and acting with a sense of accountability. (Check out the opportunities to volunteer and become a VAN leader through VAN's volunteer opportunities at https://vital-aging-network.org)

A review of 2020-2021

Like many nonprofits, VAN has faced challenges during the past months. COVID required us to redesign our popular Aging with Gusto program--(normally an in-person series of facilitated discussions focused on helping participants define with "living with gusto" means to them)--as a virtual, Zoom program.

Currently Aging with Gusto leaders are developing a Train the Facilitator component which will help us expand our reach by training discussion leaders in other parts of the state and the country. 

By focusing on outdoor activities, our Wellness 50+ program was able to remain vital and active providing opportunities for participants to meet in person and enjoy fun, fellowship, and great exercise. In addition, Wellness 50+ supported the community by helping sponsor blood drives and flu shot clinics. And the Oakdale Wellness 50+ group has been instrumental in assisting that community and achieving Age Friendly Community status through AARP.

We need your help: donate today.

These initiatives require a great deal of volunteer time, and they cost money. Please donate today to support VAN as it continues to grow through the coming year.