Maine Council on Aging

MCOA board members and staff joined SeniorsPlus for their annual Fill the Plate breakfast this morning to support their Meals on Wheels program. Pictured are: (bottom, left to right) MCOA Board VP Sharon Foerster; MCOA Leadership Exchange on Ageism Director Donald Harden; Rep. Kristen Cloutier of Lewiston and (top) MCOA Executive Director Jess Maurer, SeniorsPlus President/CEO and MCOA Board Treasurer Betsy Sawyer-Manter; and (not pictured) MCOA Policy Director Jessica Fay. If you'd like to help support this vital program for older Mainers, visit: https://lnkd.in/eZBThfFk

Maine Council on Aging is working with Maine's legislators and age-positive partners to craft and support a broad array of bills that support Mainers as they age and promote an inclusive, age-positive culture. If you want to learn more about MCOA’s advocacy priorities, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eRXpTpvV

Are you looking for aging support services for yourself or an older loved one? UMaine's Center on Aging provides a comprehensive list of state and national resources for older people on its website. You can access it here:? https://lnkd.in/eBTgUcxC

A lack of transportation can lead to isolation for older adults, especially those living alone in rural areas. The County Area Ride Service (CARS) provides free rides for people living in Caribou and surrounding communities. Trips include transportation to medical appointments or for everyday errands like banking and shopping. To learn more about how to get a ride or become a volunteer driver, contact Sharon Berz at 207-551-5672 or [email protected].?

MCOA Executive Director Jess Maurer recently joined Northern Light Health CEO Tim Dentry for his podcast series - Healthy, Happy & Wise - to discuss embracing the Power of Aging and how redefining the role of older people in the workforce can help Maine address its workforce shortage. You can listen to their conversation here: https://bit.ly/3DVqwHK

Lisa Berkman, Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Public Policy and of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, has found that about half of Americans in their 50s lack steady employment, and that only a third of these people will work in their 60s. She notes that more flexible workplace policies can help middle-aged workers stay more steadily employed. With long-term benefits for both workers and employers.

Help SeniorsPlus provide free Meals on Wheels for older adults in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. Join their Fill the Plate Breakfast on Friday, March 21 at 7:00am. For details and to register visit: https://bit.ly/43pNJfE

Welcome to new member Spurling Design! Located in Islesford, Maine, Spurling specializes in designing "Home For Good" residences, where people can enjoy their home as they age, and community-building projects that foster connection and enhance the living experience. https://lnkd.in/eiP3EReT

Once a month, Harpswell Aging at Home provides a free meal to the ROMEOS (Retired Older Men Eating Out) at the local Grange. The program provides older men, especially those living alone, with an opportunity to share a healthy meal and socialize. Learn more about this wonderful program at: https://lnkd.in/e6Wfphuj

According to the Maine Center for Economic Policy, more than a quarter of Maine's population (children, older people, people with disabilities, and families with low income) receives health insurance through Medicaid. On average, Maine households making less than $58,429 — the bottom 40% in terms of income — would see a net loss in income if the proposed federal cuts to the program are enacted. Beyond the harmful human impact, these cuts could destabilize Maine’s economy as well as the economy nationwide. Urge Maine's congressional delegation to stand firm against any proposal that threatens Medicaid funding.?https://bit.ly/3DAhy2q