Elevating the Well Being of Lakes Country

An innovative Lakes Country partnership is boosting the social, mental and physical health of people ages 45 and up. Elevate is a new grant-based pilot program, one of only three in Minnesota. Three organizations are guiding the initiative: Perham Health, UCare Minnesota, and Leading Age Minnesota Foundation. 

Founded in 2022, Elevate’s goal is to, “help adults in northeastern Otter Tail County age well.” Planners are addressing a growing issue as people near and clear retirement age. Increasingly, “loneliness is the biggest health risk for adults,” and Elevate’s mission promotes the benefits of staying social and keeping people connected. They can also assist residents with information or resources. 

Organizers and volunteers known as “Elevators” have gathered a variety of fun and informative activities covering multiple fronts. The online Elevate calendar is full of events supporting physical as well as frontal lobe fitness. Try a Nosey Neighbors behind-the-scenes tour at businesses and nonprofits or come to Coffee Talks at the Perham and New York Mills Public Libraries, covering topics from Technology to Travel. 

The Elevating Voices Memory Loss Chorus offers a safe, welcoming space for singers and volunteers. The weekly rehearsals with social time and no pressure recitals for family and friends are a community collaboration with the Perham Center for the Arts. Additional community partnerships include Elevate’s employment clearinghouse matching job seekers with local employers and the Farmers Market joining vendors with the City of Perham and the Chamber of Commerce. 

Elevate also holds Exploratories with opportunities to sample new activities. Beginners can learn pickleball, take trips to local museums and attend art classes. The Elevate Walking Club meets Tuesday mornings at the Perham Area Community Center (PACC). Looking for a place to volunteer or a way to meet new friends? Explore it with Elevate!