The Governor's Cabinet on Aging, AARP Maine, and UMaine Center on Aging Present:

Things We Don't Want to Talk About -
Communities Tackle the Challenges of Aging

June 18, 2025
8:30 - 4:00
Wells Conference Center
131 Munson Road
Orono, Maine

Free!
Registration is Required

Schedule 

(stay tuned for additional details)

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 - Tom Meuser, Clinical Psychologist
                         Mary Beth Paquette, Volunteer Transportation Fellow, UMaine Center on Aging
                        Karin  Sadtler, Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec
  Tom Meuser will discuss evaluating driving ability and managing driving cessation conversations. Mary Beth Paquette will then outline how 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. 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, Coordinator 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 - 1:00 Networking lunch

1:00 - 1:30 - Panel, State of Aging in Maine

Noël Bonam – Director, AARP Maine
Elizabeth Gattine - Coordinator, Governor's Cabinet on Aging

1:30 - 2:45 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
                        Coming Soon
  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. 

• Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Hoarding Disorder
  Presenters - Susan Noyes, Founding member of Southern Maine 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.                      

2:45 - 3:30 Round Table Discussions

3:30 - 4:00 Wrap Up and Next Steps