AgeAlive

Meet the Heart Behind AgeAlive: Erin Filipich

As AgeAlive’s program assistant, Erin Filipich helps keep programs, partnerships and events running smoothly behind the scenes. But for Erin, the work is about something much bigger — creating meaningful connections across generations and building a stronger, more age-friendly community.

Inspired by her experience caring for her mother with dementia, Erin is passionate about reducing ageism, fostering understanding and helping people of all ages feel connected and supported. Through programs like Generations Connect, she has seen firsthand the impact that relationships between students and older adults can have on everyone involved.

“Everyone has something to learn from each other,” Erin says. “No matter our age, there’s always something we can share.”
Read Erin’s story and learn how her compassion, dedication and vision are helping shape the future of AgeAlive.

Read more: https://agealive.org/2026/06/10/the-heart-behind-agealive/

MSU to host Juneteenth celebration June 15-19 The weeklong celebration will feature a series of educational and community-centered events designed to engage participants through dialogue, storytelling and action.

Generations Connect Spring Fling brought area older adults and students together.

https://agealive.org/2026/05/06/bridging-generations-msu-spring-fling-builds-lasting-connections/

MSU Spring Fling Builds Lasting Connections Spring Fling brought students and older adults together for a night of crafts, conversation, and meaningful intergenerational connection.

Imagine working on your college degree and having the opportunity to change someone's life. That's just what engineering students at MSU are doing as part of their Capstone project.

MSU Students Design Device to Regain Arm Mobility After Injury MSU engineering students unveiled an adaptive arm support device at the AgeAlive Forum, helping restore mobility and independence after injury.

Save the date...

MSU to commemorate Juneteenth during fifth annual celebration Register for the free educational event at the Multicultural Center June 12, 5-8:30 p.m.

Today, we honor and remember those who served and gave all.

Did you know that researchers at MSU are designing devices to enhance mobility?

This year's MSU AgeAlive Education & Research Forum and Awards Ceremony showcased innovative projects, engaging faculty, students, researchers, caregivers, and other community members in discussions about mobility.

MSU AgeAlive Forum Showcases Innovation and Community Engagement MSU’s 2026 AgeAlive Forum highlighted innovations in aging, from assistive tech to fall prevention.

Michigan State University is providing unique opportunities for students and the community through exciting programs such as Generations Connect -- pairing MSU students with older adults to create meaningful connections. Click the photo below to learn more.

Bridging the Generation Gap Generations Connect links MSU students and older adults to build friendships and reduce loneliness across generations.

LEGISLATIVE ALERT REMINDER:
MDHHS seeks public comment on State Plan on Aging
Deadline for Public Comment May 21st

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports (ACLS) has developed the State Plan on Aging (SPoA) for fiscal years 2027 to 2029 and is seeking public comment on the updated plan.

State Units on Aging are tasked under the Older Americans Act (OAA) with developing and administering a multiyear SPoA that provides goals and objectives related to assisting older residents, their families and caregivers. The plan serves as a blueprint outlining coordination and advocacy activities to meet the needs of older adults.

To support the development of the plan, the ACLS Bureau conducted a comprehensive needs assessment and engaged older adults, their family members and key partners through community conversations, interviews and a statewide survey.

“The role of the State Unit on Aging is key to the health, wellness and independence of Michigan residents that fall under the OAA and Older Michiganians Act,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “We appreciate the voices of Michigan’s older adults, family caregivers, service providers and advocates who participated in the needs assessment and contributed to the plan development. The priorities for the next three years are designed to better enable the aging network and our partners to address the issues our older adults face.”

Guidance for content and expectations for developing the plan are established by the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL), including a required narrative and specific attachments.

The ACLS Bureau incorporated input from the needs assessment and convened a multidisciplinary workgroup of Area Agency on Aging (AAA) staff and Tribal Elder Services directors to develop the SPoA’s four goals:

Enhance access to services for older adults and caregivers to support their health, independence and social connectedness.
Promote collaborations and partnerships across MDHHS and other state departments, AAAs, OAA Title VI tribal grantees and other agencies and organizations.
Enhance pathways for accessing information so older adults and their support network, including those of greatest economic need and greatest social need, are aware of resources.
Utilize language and messaging that celebrates aging and communicates the strength and value of older adults and those who provide their care.
The draft document and the process for submitting comments can be found on the MDHHS website: Comments on the plan will be accepted through Thursday, May 21.

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/adult-child-serv/adults-and-seniors/acls/news-room/rpc-mi-state-plan-for-aging-for-fy27-29?utm_campaign=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

The finalized plan will be submitted for review and approval to the Commission on Services to the Aging at their June meeting, prior to submission to ACL.

Request for Public Comment: Public Comment Period Open for Michigan State Plan on Aging for Fiscal Years 2027-2029 Michigan's Women, Infants & Children program, providing supplemental nutrition, breastfeeding information, and other resources for healthy mothers & babies.