 A $3 million grant will lead an effort to develop a statewide system to help keep seniors and older adults independent in their home. Several health agencies and professionals gathered in Bemidji for the Healthy Living As You Age Summit. Evidence-based programs help people dealing with chronic disease, such as diabetes, manage their health. The goal is to eventually have a network where well-care programs will be developed for people to stay active in the community and maintain their independence. Giving people the tools to make better choices, whether it's with eating, whether it's with exercise, that they are able to live healthier and have communities where it is the very fabric of their community to be communities of health. For example, an older adult that might have a fear of falling can participate in a program and their risk of falling will drop by 30 to 50 percent and they're able to stay home and independent. And that's really what they want. They just don't know that these opportunities are out there. The timeframe for the grant will be three years and will run from 2016 to 2018. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.