Municipal Staff: Jason Lamoreau (recreation@bowdoinham.com) 

Co-Chairs: Maureen Booth (maureenb@usm.maine.edu) & Peggy Muir (mmuir2020@gmail.com)

Joined the WHO Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities: 2014-02-10

Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities: 2015-04-14

Governance: Municipally staffed, town-appointed all-volunteer committee

Highlight of 2023: We have promoted awareness of the more isolated and at risk populations in the community and have enhanced the infrastructure needed to provide greater support, such as medical equipment loan program, visitations to older residents who need guidance on available resources, distribution of winter safety kits, enhancing our presence with food pantry clients, increasing our Older Adult Services position to half time due to increased one on one assistance required by at risk residents.

Age-Friendly Bowdoinham's Initiatives and Accomplishments:

Civic Participation and Employment

• The AgeFriendly Committee is working with the Town’s Comprehensive Planning Committee to identify issues and priorities for incorporation into the 2024-2034 Comprehensive Plan related to older adults.

Communication and Information

• An updated Resource Directory is being developed identifying volunteer-led resources as well as those sponsored by the Town, County, and State that are available at no or low cost.

• The Digital Literacy Program, offered through the Public Library, provides classes and tutorials to help enhance skills in using digital devices. A tablet loan program will begin soon.

Community Supports and Health Services

• Medical equipment program that accepts donations and provides needed medical equipment for use by residents.

• Age Friendly Bowdoinham has developed and nurtures vital partnerships in its efforts to work collectively to make the Town an enjoyable place to live for people of all ages:

  • • We work closely with the Food Pantry to build connections with their clients who could benefit from support and social services.

    • Fire & Rescue is an important resource in helping us understand the needs of at-risk residents, such as those for whom wellness checks are conducted or emergency assistance is required. The facilities of the department are used monthly for Age-Friendly luncheons and speakers.

Housing

• The Handy Brigade is a program of the Village Masons that provides small repairs and chores to older residents at no charge.

• The Sand Bucket Brigade delivers sand to residents during the winter months by volunteers of the Town Fire Department.

• The Home Safety Check-List is a guide to identify areas that can be improved in the home to reduce potential injuries and provide a more welcoming home as residents age.

Outdoor Spaces and Public Buildings

• We have partnered with the Public Library to improve the accessibility of the Library for use by older patrons.

• We have successfully advocated to add several features that make it easier for people living with a disability to participate in Celebrate Bowdoinham--including drop-off parking, seating, a covered tent to relax and enjoy games together, and additional handicapped parking for people who want to see the parade. 

• The town has added a number of accessibility features to the town office--a push-button door opener, heated stair tread, middle railing, and enhanced ramp access. 

• The development of a Guide to Universal Design to inform residents and contractors of ways to make homes more accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability. This work is being funded under the AARP Community Challenge Grant.

• Through funds made available through the Dementia-Inclusive Lifelong Communities Micro Grant, Bowdoinham is working with a consultant to guide the Town on ways to assure that our waterfront trails are accessible to those in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, or with dementia.

Respect and Social Inclusion

• Since 2012 Bowdoinham has had an active Age Friendly Committee. In 2014, the Select Board appointed a standing committee of residents to advise the town about aging issues and, with a paid part-time town employee who serves as Age-Friendly Coordinator,  plan and organize age-friendly activities, programs, and services. 

• Intergenerational activities, including line dancing

Social Participation

• We have partnered with two local churches to host listening sessions aimed at building connections with people who are socially isolated.

• A regular schedule of activities reduces social isolation and helps build community among older adults:

  • • Weekly yoga, cribbage, line dancing and bridge

    • Monthly homemade luncheons frequently followed by a presentation on an area of educational, health, or social importance.

    • Bean suppers and dinners sponsored by Age Friendly as part of the Town’s summer concert series.

Transportation (including promotion of active transportation

• Rides in Neighbors’ Cars is a volunteer-led program matching residents of Bowdoinham and Bowdoin with volunteer drivers to medical appointments, shopping, and social activities within a 50-mile radius. Donations are welcomed but not required.