Things We Don't Want to Talk About -
Communities Tackle the Challenges of Aging
Photo from FRAME photo contest
"Things We Don't Want to Talk About" explored innovative community-based solutions to some of the challenges that may accompany aging. Our mission was to equip attendees with fresh ideas, practical tools, and valuable connections.
Topics included:
Solo Aging
Driving Cessation
Preparing for End of Life
Healthy Brain Aging
Fraud Prevention
Hoarding
Keynote - Dr. Marilyn Gugliucci, President, Gerontological Society of America, Director Geriatrics Education and Research, UNE
Our day started with a keynote address by Marilyn Gugliucci, who emphasized that everyone ages differently and that the only way to understand what makes life meaningful for an older person is to ask meaningful questions and to listen authentically. She also challenged us to question the scripts society has taught us about aging and how "age-friendly" is perceived in our communities.
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 explored how communities can support the growing number of older adults without immediate family. Their dynamic discussion on building social networks, finding suitable housing, and maintaining independence provided critical knowledge for creating vibrant, supportive environments where solo agers thrive.
Resources:
Solo Aging Resources_June 2025_public.pdfDriving 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 provided hints and tips to build and run volunteer driving programs, including recruitment and safety protocols. Karin reflected on how a regionally active age-friendly organization aims to launch a volunteer transportation program in 6 neighboring towns. Finally, Tom Meuser described resources for evaluating driving ability and managing driving cessation conversations. They equipped attendees with tools to help older adults maintain independence through safe transportation alternatives.
Resources:
Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec. Getting Started Guide
Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec. From Vision to First Ride Presentation
Lifelong Maine. Transportation Manual
Lifelong Maine. Transportation FAQ
Tom Meuser. Driving Presentation and Handouts
Lifelong Maine Volunteer Transport RC.pdfClick here to download rack card
Email Lifelong@Maine.edu
to request printed copies
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 equipped age-friendly leaders with practical tools for guiding advance care planning conversations. Renee Wheaton introduced an innovative document organization system, while Sharon Berz demystified the Maine Care Long-Term Care application process.
Resources:
Center for Advancement of Rural Living. MaineCare Long Term Care Toolkit
Lisa White. Advance Care Toolkit
Mount Washington Valley Age-Friendly. Emergency Binder
Mount Washington Valley. Emergency Binder Presentation Slides
National Institute on Aging. Advance Care Planning
Grief Chapter RC.pdfTips for Living Well with Dementia
Presenter - Susan Wehry, Geriatric Psychiatrist , Program Director, Geriatric Worforce Enhancement Program
Susan shared practical approaches to support and understand people living with dementia in our communities. This session equipped age-friendly leaders and volunteers with essential skills to create inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone can thrive. Together, we explored simple yet effective strategies for building understanding and connection.
Resources:
Dementia Action Alliance. Pathways to Well-Being with Dementia
Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Project. Thriving as We Age Brochure
Lifelong Maine. Dementia Inclusive Brochure
Lifelong Maine. Dementia Inclusive Dining Guide
Lifelong Maine. A sampling of dementia inclusive projects
DI Skill Chapter RC.pdfModern 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.
Resources:
Andy Chandler. Modern Scam Prevention and AI Presentation Slides
FBI. Elder Fraud Brochure
FBI-Jennifer Misek. Elder Justice Presentation Slides
Lifelong Maine. Artificial Intelligence and Fraud Rack Card (for printed copies, email Lifelong@Maine.edu)
Lifelong Maine. Elder Abuse Brochure
(for printed copies, email Lifelong@Maine.edu)
Wall Street Journal. The Friendly Caller Who's Helping Seniors Feel Less Lonely.
Fraud with Phone Script.pdfClick here to download rack card
Email Lifelong@Maine.edu
to request printed copies
Understanding and Supporting Individuals with Hoarding Disorder
Presenters - Tom Meuser, Clinical Psychologist
Amber Harrison, Local Health Officer, York Maine
Age-Friendly York
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.
Resources:
Hoarding Skill Chapter RC.pdf