Carlette Renee Anderson
Carly Anderson is a dedicated advocate for older adults and a highly experienced office management professional with over 25 years in the field. Based in Kerrick, Minnesota, Carly has built a career focused on community involvement, program development, and team building, using her strong problem-solving skills to identify challenges, implement cost-effective solutions, and develop strategies that meet both organizational and stakeholder needs. She is committed to creating outcomes that are efficient, effective, and sustainable, ensuring organizations run smoothly while supporting the people they serve.
Carly’s passion for senior advocacy began in the late 1990s, inspired by a friendship with a couple who owned a nursing home in rural Minnesota. She witnessed firsthand the struggles of older adults who were isolated, overlooked, and facing complex challenges with limited support. This experience ignited a lifelong commitment to elevating the voices of seniors and empowering families navigating healthcare, legal, and caregiving responsibilities. Her dedication deepened in the mid-2000s while working with a nonprofit focused on early childhood development, where she observed grandparents stepping into caregiving roles for grandchildren, often under extraordinary circumstances.
To expand her impact, Carly is launching Twin Ports Health Talks, a podcast dedicated to meaningful conversations about aging, including elder law, assisted living, mental health, nutrition, and caregiver resources. She is also hosting an Aging Symposium on Elder Law & Healthcare, bringing together experts and advocates to address critical issues affecting seniors and to promote collaborative solutions. Carly’s mission is simple: to provide families with reliable information, elevate the voices of seniors, and foster a more compassionate, informed approach to aging in our communities.
• Lean Sigma Six Belt
• University of Phoenix- Bachelor's
• President's List
• The National Society of Leadership and Success
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a lifelong dedication to advocating for seniors and improving the lives of older adults through compassionate service and community-focused initiatives.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop learning and always speak out for those who cannot.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
- Let Empathy Guide Your Path: Pay attention to those who are overlooked or underrepresented and allow compassion to shape your choices.
- Embrace Challenges as Opportunities for Growth: Don’t shy away from difficult situations; view them as chances to become stronger, wiser, and more resilient.
- Seek Inspiration and Learn from Others: My own passion was shaped by leaders like former Senator Becky Lourey, who championed grandparent rights. By seeking mentors and role models, you can find guidance and motivation to pursue your own path of impact.
- Lifelong Learning Is Key: Never stop learning. Every stage of life offers new opportunities to grow, evolve, and make a difference.
- Advocate for Others and Use Your Voice: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, especially individuals and families who need support, understanding, and representation.
- Value Collaboration and Community: Look for opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and build supportive networks. Real progress happens when people work together toward a common purpose.
- Remember the Power of Compassion and Perseverance: These qualities not only help you overcome personal challenges—they also empower you to create meaningful, lasting change in the world.
In summary:
Let empathy, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning guide your journey. Seek inspiration, advocate for others, and value collaboration. Above all, believe in the power of compassion and perseverance to transform lives—including your own.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Healthcare Needs: As the number of older adults grows, the demand for healthcare professionals—especially those trained in geriatric care—continues to rise. This creates a significant shortage of skilled providers and underscores the need for innovative approaches to manage increasing healthcare costs while improving the quality of care.
Workforce Shortages: The healthcare sector is facing a critical workforce gap, with global projections indicating a need for more than 15 million additional healthcare workers by 2030. This shortage limits the system’s ability to deliver high-quality care and intensifies financial pressures on programs like Medicare.
Economic Factors: The medical and long-term care needs of an aging population place substantial strain on healthcare budgets. Rising costs require strategic resource allocation and more efficient care delivery models to ensure sustainability.
Innovative Solutions: Demand is growing for new and creative approaches to elder care, including telemedicine, home-based services, and technology-enabled care models. These innovations have the potential to enhance care quality and improve the overall experience for older adults.
Policy Adaptation: Aging policy leaders and advocates must respond to shifting demographics by developing policies that reflect the needs, preferences, and dignity of older adults. Effective policy must support health, independence, and equitable access to care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are family, spending quality time with loved ones, and my passion for horseback riding, which brings balance and joy to my life.