Aging

Minnesotans are living longer and that trend is expected to continue. According to Minnesota State Demographic Center projections, the number of adults 65 years and older is anticipated to double between 2010 and 2030. That means 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be an older adult.

MPR News is looking at this shift and what it means to all of us.

Related: End in Mind delves into how our culture engages with loss, dying and death and offers resources to live more and fear less.

State opens long-term care to visits from outside 'essential caregivers' after COVID-19 restrictions
The Minnesota Department of Health put out new guidance Friday that allows residents to designate one person, identified as an “essential caregiver,” to visit inside the residence and to have physical contact with them.
After widespread deaths of residents, nursing homes begin to see glimmers of improvement
Three months into the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, nursing home nurses and operators believe they may be limiting the coronavirus spread. Wider testing made a difference, they said.
MDH data: Nursing homes account for half of COVID-19 deaths in Minn.
Overall, long-term care deaths account for about 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Minnesota — those numbers include nursing homes, assisted living facilities, memory care units and group homes.
What will care facilities look like after the pandemic?
Long-term care in the United States already faced challenges before the coronavirus pandemic. Now long-term care workers and patients in some states are dealing with higher rates of infection and death than the general population. We consider what caregiving and care facilities might look like post-pandemic.
Ideal nursing homes: Individual rooms, better staffing, more accountability
Nursing home experts say priorities need to change, emphasizing quality of life over profits. The stunning COVID-19 death toll brings scrutiny to an industry that many believe is due for an overhaul.
Older Minnesotans sheltering at home need help, volunteers step up
Because the new coronavirus is especially dangerous for older adults and those with underlying health conditions, the need for services for those stuck in their homes has increased. Several nonprofits say more volunteers have come forward.
State begins rapid testing of all residents, staff of long-term care homes with COVID-19
Teams of public health personnel and Minnesota National Guard medics will perform targeted, but in-depth testing in about 20 long-term care facilities throughout the state beginning on Thursday. 
Deaths in nursing homes spur officials to increase testing, bolster staff levels
As the number of deaths in long-term care facilities from COVID-19 has grown, so too has the pressure to address the issue. Minnesota officials say they have a new plan to try to get a better handle on the problem after hundreds of older adults have died.