With more people in Maine and Bethel, turning 65 annually, the "To Your Health" program of Western Mountains Senior College (WMSC) took on the challenge of introducing the community to "Aging in Place." Aging in Place refers to living where you have lived for years, using products, services and conveniences that allow you to remain in your own home safely and independently as you age and your circumstances change.

WMSC "Aging in Place" Panel Presenters

A large capacity audience of 66 persons heard speakers discuss methods used by other communities in Maine to address this issue. Speakers included Peter Morelli, consultant for AARP's Age-Friendly Communities, Joe Perkins representing the nine communities of  At Home Downeast, and Julie Allaire, representing "Kennebunk: No Place Like Home."

Morelli explained how AARP is helping communities prepare for Maine's changing demographics through the Age-Friendly Community Network. The network is expanding regularly as more communities make the commitment to become age-friendly. AARP advances efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities, and it encourages older residents to take an active role and have their voices heard. Communities in Maine who

have already joined this network include Paris, Ellsworth, Portland, Kennebunk, and Bowdoinham.

Allaire, as the founding director for "No Place Like Home," said it supports town efforts to become more age-friendly. A volunteer board of directors provides strategic oversight, and a working group of skilled people conducts activities for the community. Membership is open to people in Kennebunk,

Kennebunkport and Arundel. The organization does focus groups, surveys, and community meetings to provide direct help to older adults in areas they identify. These services may include home safety inspections, errands, help with chores, groceries rides, and other services.

Village Road in Spring by Otto Modersohn

An "Age Friendly Community" also lends itself to a "village model," as explained by Perkins. He said the village model is a member-based program supported by volunteers. The program provides residents of the nine towns around the Blue Hill Peninsula with essential services, empowering them to continue to live safely in their own homes as they age. He added that "At Home Downeast" was the first member in Maine of the nationwide Village to Village network. While each village model is unique, they share community-based, grassroots origins to address the commonly shared desire to "age in place." Membership guarantees rides to medical appointments, scheduled twice-monthly non-emergency home visits from a licensed health care professional for a check-in, weekly grocery and prescription delivery, initial home safety assessment, and information on and referrals to local resources. The annual membership fee is on a sliding scale based on income and ranges from $130 to $1,300.

Patricia Oh, a representative from the Bowdoinham project, was unable to attend the meeting. However, she shared the most important item in her experience in starting any aging in place program. She said, "You must include the experiences of older adults when deciding what direction the aging in place program will take and when implementing age-friendly changes in the community." She added that older residents need to be consulted to learn what they see as the strengths and weakness of the community for aging in place. Their lifetime of experience will enhance any program.

A follow-up survey conducted by To Your Health confirmed the definite interest in the issue of aging in place, and it is expected that a new community group will be formed to address the issue. The program was presented as a community service by To Your Health of WMSC with the collaboration of Bethel Family Health Center and MSAD#44/Continuing

Education.

We will visit two colonial cities in the heart of Mexico where the weather is sunny, warm (72-84) and dry. Our first stop will be Cuernavaca where we will study Spanish at a well-known language school for adult learners. We will also take guided afternoon trips to Taxco, a town noted for silver production and Xochicalco, an archeological site known for its pyramids, ancient ball courts, and elevated central plaza. After a week in Cuernavaca, we will take a first class bus to San Miguel de Allende, located in the central highlands and known for its many artistic and cultural opportunities. Here, we will continue Spanish studies at another excellent school with afternoons free to enjoy the parks, art galleries, restaurants, small museums and musical performances available. Both locations are tourist-friendly and very safe. Some daily walking on cobblestone streets is necessary. 

$1250.00, Includes 16 nights of homestay with meals, two weeks of Spanish instruction and three half-day guided trips while in Cuernavaca. Allow an additional $800.00 for a round-trip flight to Mexico and in-country travel to and from airports. 

Contacts:
Ray Glass for further information including likely dates. 

(Phone: 207-778-6785 or Email: rglass@maine.edu)