WEST ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DARTS:
What: Colleen Fritsch, Director of Community Engagement for the nonprofit DARTS, to speak on the challenges facing MN’s growing senior population and social-service agencies that help them. DARTS has provided housekeeping and chore services for 102-year-old Marjorie Belmonte who still lives independently in her West St. Paul home.
Where: Marjorie Belmonte’s home, located in West St. Paul, MN.
When: Wed., Feb. 5, 2014. Media invited from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., to visit with Marjorie, DARTS representative Colleen Fritsch and the people who are helping Marjorie stay in her own home including service coordinator (Tabitha), housekeeping aide (Ruth) and outdoor chore workers (Terry and Steve).
**Marjorie’s birthday cake will be presented at 10:30 a.m.**
Aging Population in Minnesota & USA:
- By 2020, more Minnesotans will be 65+ than of school-age – first time in history!
- Number of adults 65+ will increase substantially over next 20 years.
- During 1980-2010, U.S. centenarian population rose 66%, overall population increased 36%.
- Minnesota had 1,211 centenarians in 2010, according to a U.S. Census report – just 0.02% of MN’s population; the U.S. had 53,364 centenarians.
- 80+% of U.S. centenarians were women; a third of all centenarians live alone at home.
Background on DARTS: Since 1974, nonprofit DARTS has served seniors and their families in Dakota County, helping seniors lead more independent and fulfilling lives. DARTS was originally an acronym (Dakota Area Resources and Transportation for Seniors) but the name was shortened to DARTS in 2008 as the services it offers expanded. More info can be found at www.darts1.org.
1912 Facts: When Marjorie Belmonte was born, the average female life expectancy in the U.S. was 51.8 years. Also in 1912: the Titanic sinks; New Mexico and Arizona become U.S. states.
