A lack of housing, healthcare, and transportation cited as shortcomings by growing aging population

Aging adults in Cook County identify healthcare, transportation, and housing as their greatest needs. The clear message was delivered through a series of listening sessions and community assessments 

Citizens are facing these challenges as the population of adults ages 65 and older continues to grow in the county, making up nearly one-third of Cook County residents.

“Things have changed over a few generations here, and we’re not having as many kids,” Julie Wilson, Executive Director of Care Partners, told WTIP. “It’s been a major change across the world, certainly in our country.”

Finding the necessary services as people age can be difficult in Cook County, where specialized care could require frequent trips to Duluth. The county’s unique location between Canada, the Boundary Waters, and Lake Superior means it is designated as a “frontier community.”

“There’s a point at which people – at all stages of life – but particularly as they age and perhaps have more complex medical needs, will need to seek out a higher level of care outside of the community, and that can mean multiple specialist visits in Duluth or the Twin Cities,” Cook County Public Health Supervisor told WTIP, Grace Grinager told WTIP.

To better understand and accommodate the growing population trend, the county participates in the Age-Friendly program. The program collaborates with Care Partners on initiatives, such as the Boreal Partners Transit, which helps older adults who struggle with transportation.

While Cook County seeks to expand its services, it faces a multifaceted challenge, as different locations within the county have different obstacles. People on the Gunflint Trail may worry about communication, while those in Lutsen are trying to downsize to a smaller house. Some issues, such as access to gas and groceries in Hovland during the winter, lack clear solutions.

These issues can lead to isolation, which is a focus for the county and Care Partners.

“That’s not just social isolation, sometimes it’s physical isolation,” Wilson said. “People living way out in more rural parts of our county.”

This isolation can make it difficult for individuals who require assistance with physically demanding tasks. This is why it is best to start building a network of support earlier rather than later. In some cases, a lack of support might mean people have a painful choice.

“We do have resources, both within our healthcare facilities, within Care Partners, within Public Health and Human Services, to support people,” Grinager said, “but unfortunately, there are those times when a person does need to leave the community because the needs for care that they have just don’t match up with what’s available here.”

Those who would like to build their support networks can contact Care Partners at 218-387-3620.

“There are people who want to help,” Wilson said. “There are so many helpers in our community and connectors.”

WTIP’s Josh Hinke spoke with Care Partners Executive Director Julie Wilson and Grace Grinager from Cook County Public Health and Human Services about the growing aging population in Cook County and how to prepare for the future.  The audio of that conversation can be found below.

Josh Hinke April 21, 2025