How does building design, cross sector partnerships, co-location of services and social engagement create a health community for aging low income residents?

How building design, cross sector partnerships, co-location of services and social engagement create a healthy community for aging low income adults.

Program Officer - Health and Wellness, Twin Cities Local Initiative Support Corporation

Aging adults who are low income and of color experience significant health disparities and compromised quality of life.  Neighborhood based efforts, where the collocation of social engagement opportunities, health providers and physical activities exist, positively impact the health of aging adults.  Peer to peer connections, opportunities for providers to share knowledge and elevate their services and the collocation of services translates into improved health, improves services and improved quality of life for the aging.

We will discuss, in-depth, Heritage Park Senior Service Center, a two story, 5,000 sq. ft., facility connected by way of an enclosed link to a memory care facility. The facility, built by Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, is the first in the nation public housing senior service center dedicated to aging adults. The facility includes an adult day program, ¼ mile indoor walking path, porch, fireplace, community space, community garden, etc. This effort a partnership between Minneapolis Public Housing Authority, Augustana Care Corporation, MPHA residents, YMCA, Minneapolis High-rise Council, Neighborhood HealthSource and the Courage Center includes a physical design that address physical, social and medical needs of its residents while promoting collaboration among its providers. The presenter was the Director of the Heritage Park Senior Service Center during its development phase and now supports the project as the Program Officer for Twin Cities LISC.