Things We Don't Want to Talk About -
Communities Tackle the Challenges of Aging
Photo from FRAME photo contest
This free in-person conference brings state-wide leaders and Age-Friendly, Lifelong Communities together for thought-provoking discussion, networking, and peer sharing.
At this year's conference, we will explore innovative solutions that help us continue thriving in our cherished communities, despite the challenges that aging may bring.
Breakouts provide a deep dive into these topics:
Solo Aging
Driving Cessation
Preparing for End of Life
Tips for Living Well With Dementia
Fraud Prevention
Hoarding
And more - much more!
You will leave with ideas, tools, and connections
to tackle challenges of aging in your community.
8:30 - 9:00 Light breakfast and networking
9:00 - 9:10 Welcome, Anne Schroth, Age-Friendly Coastal Communities
9:10 - 9:30 Keynote - Marilyn Gugliucci, President, Gerontological Society of America, Director Geriatrics Education and Research, UNE
9:45 - 11:00 Workshop Block 1
Solo Aging
Presenters - Ken Elliot , Clinical Psychologist
Mary-Lou Ciolfi, Director, Policy and Education, UMaine Center on Aging
Dr. Ken Elliot and Mary Lou Ciolfi explore how communities can support the growing number of older adults without immediate family. Join their dynamic discussion on building social networks, finding suitable housing, and maintaining independence – critical knowledge for creating vibrant, supportive environments where solo agers thrive.
Article Link - Going it Alone. Historic Numbers of Americans Live by Themselves as They Age
Driving Cessation and Alternative Transportation
Presenters - Mary Beth Paquette, Volunteer Transportation Fellow, UMaine Center on Aging
Karin Sadtler, Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec
Tom Meuser, Clinical Psychologist
Mary Beth Paquette will provide hints and tips to build and run volunteer driving programs, including recruitment and safety protocols. Karin will reflect on how a regionally active age-friendly organization approaches the goal of launching a volunteer transportation program in 6 neighboring towns. Finally, Tom Meuser will discuss evaluating driving ability and managing driving cessation conversations. Together, they'll equip attendees with tools to help older adults maintain independence through safe transportation alternatives.
Advanced Care, End of Life Planning
Presenters - Lisa White, Social Worker and Thanatologist
Sharon Berz, Age-Friendly Limestone
Renee Wheaton, Mount Washington Valley Age-Friendly
Navigating end-of-life decisions takes skill and sensitivity. Lisa will equip age-friendly leaders with practical tools for guiding advance care planning conversations. Renee Wheaton introduces an innovative document organization system, while Sharon Berz demystifies the Maine Care Long-Term Care application process.
11:15 - 12:00 Round Table Discussions
12:00 - 12:45 Networking lunch
12:30 - 12:40 Award Presentation and Recognitions
12:45 - 2:00 - Workshop Block 2
Tips for Living Well with Dementia
Presenters - Susan Wehry, Geriatric Psychiatrist , Program Director, Geriatric Worforce Enhancement Program
Coming Soon
Learn practical approaches to support and understand people living with dementia in your community. This interactive session equips leaders and volunteers with essential skills to create inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive. Together, we'll explore simple yet effective strategies for building understanding and connection
Modern Scam Prevention
Presenters - Jennifer Misek, Special Agent, FBI Boston - Bangor Resident Agency
Andy Chandler, Retired Cybersecurity Professional
Jennifer Misek will share practical tools to recognize and thwart financial exploitation. Through a discussion of ever-evolving scams types, participants will learn to identify warning signs, safeguard assets, and create community awareness to protect vulnerable adults from sophisticated fraud schemes. Andy will introduce his new AI-generated virtual friend, "Samantha," to address two challenges of aging: loneliness and the fear of becoming a victim of fraud.
Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Hoarding Disorder
Presenters - Tom Meuser, Clinical Psychologist
Eric Grainger, Founding member of the Portland Hoarding Taskforce
Amber Harrison, Age-Friendly York, Local Health Officer, York Maine
This session will equip age-friendly volunteers with evidence-informed strategies to assist those affected by hoarding. Learn about hoarding disorder, effective communication approaches, harm reduction techniques, and how to build collaborative relationships while maintaining professional boundaries and safety protocols.
2:15 - 3:00 Round Table Discussions
3:00 - 3:30 Wrap Up and Next Steps
Elizabeth Gattine, Coordinator, Governor's Cabinet on Aging
Noel Bonam, State Director, AARP Maine