Minnesota Women's Consortium 2009 recipient of Laura Waterman Wittstock Award

The Minnesota Women's Consortium was awarded the honor by Community Shares Minnesota, a community-based fund for social justice. Consortium representatives accepted the award at a Community Shares Minnesota board meeting on July 23. The Minnesota Women's Consortium is the lead partner of the Minnesota Elder Economic Security Initiative.

MinnEESI is honored to have the Minnesota Women's Consortium as its lead partner. The Minnesota Women's Consortium is the only one of its kind in the country. As a statewide collaboration of 160+ member organizations, the Consortium serves as a resource center to enhance equality and justice for women and children.

Congratulations, Minnesota Women's Consortium!

By Marie Nelson

New York Times: A Boot Camp to Prepare for Retirment

Do you know what you're getting into for your retirement? Data from the Elder Index shows that most elders cannot make ends meet and we are just now beginning to understand the cost of retirement.

The New York Times showcased two partners in a financial advisory practice in North Carolina who run their clients through a "retirement bootcamp." It helps their clients prepare for life in retirement by evaluating their expectations, current lifestyle, and economic preparedness.

The bootcamp encourages the following from participants: (1) an analysis of current cash-flow, (2) a net worth statement, (3) insurance audit, (4) goal setting, (5) a plan to increase savings before retiring, (6) tax planning, (7) charitable giving, (8) estate planning, (9) pseudoretirement (an explanation of what your retirement will be like).

Data from the Elder Index can be tremendously helpful in planning your retirement. To access the Minnesota Elder Index, click here. For other states, click here.

By Marie Nelson

Daughter is charged in suspected 'elder abuse'

A 42-year old North St. Paul woman has been charged with stealing more than $220,000 from her mother. For the full article, visit the Star Tribune website.

If you need help to address elder abuse, visit the Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life website. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

By Marie Nelson

U.S. official says seniors' caregivers need more support

From an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune: "As recession-battered Americans grapple with lower economic expectations, government should refocus its spending to help frail aged people and their families avoid costly institutional care -- a move already begun in Minnesota -- the nation's top aging official said Tuesday in Minneapolis."

For the full article on the statement made at the n4a conference, click here.

By Marie Nelson

Do you receive our e-newsletter?

The Minnesota Elder Economic Security Initiative emails a FREE e-newsletter every Monday. Are you on our mailing list?

Sign up to receive information on important dates for aging conferences and meetings, local articles on aging issues, links to this blog, calls to action, and other important information on the Minnesota aging community.

To sign up, email Marie Nelson at eesi@mnwomen.org.

By Marie Nelson

MPR Report: Spousal abuse can last a lifetime

MPR aired a report on domestic abuse among elder couples. This insightful report highlighted special issues related to later life abuse, including cultural and generational differences and lack of resources to find help.

You can read the article or listen to the report on the MPR website.

The following resources can assist those dealing with domestic abuse:

• Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433
• Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1-866-223-1111
• If not in Minnesota, the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

By Marie Nelson

What's next? Life planning for women

The "What's next?" life planning for women program has moved from a focus group to a pilot program. They will offer the program starting on Sunday, August 2. Programs run from 4:00-7:00 at The Wellington in St. Paul. You can register by calling 651-690-4111. The cost of the program is only $20, which includes a $25 book. Light refreshments will be served. Please see the flyer at left for additional information.

By Marie Nelson

ElderCare Rights Alliance 2nd Annual Film Festival

The ElderCare Rights Alliance is hosting its second film festival on Wednesday, September 16 at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis.

The films focus on aging issues and stories. Continuing education credits are available. Click on the image at the left for more information, or call ElderCare Rights Alliance at 952-854-7304.

By Marie Nelson

Connect with us at the n4a Annual Conference and Tradeshow

We are pleased to present at the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging's annual conference, which takes place July 18-22 in Minneapolis. We are participating in a workshop to introduce the National Elder Economic Security Initiative, including a special focus on findings in Minnesota. Our presentation is on Tuesday, July 21 at 3:15. The presentation description is as follows:

This workshop will introduce the National Elder Economic Security Initiative Program (the Initiative). The Initiative offers a concrete framework and tools to promote the economic well-being of elders through a combination of coalition building, research, education, advocacy and media outreach. Workshop participants will learn how the Initiative and its guiding tool, the Elder Economic Security Standard Index, are being applied at the national, state and community levels to inform AAA policies and programming.

Presenters:

• Stacy Sanders, Field Organizer for the Elder Economic Security Initiative, Wider Opportunities for Women
• Mary Olsen Baker, Retirement Resources Consultant, Transform 2010, Department of Human Services
• Marie Nelson, Minnesota Women's Consortium

Please connect with us at this conference! To register, click here.

By Marie Nelson