Maine is the oldest state in the nation by median age, with 23 percent of residents age 65 and older and more than 310,000 older adults contributing to communities across the state. As this population continues to grow, so does the need for policies, programs, and systems that support aging with dignity, independence, and connection. Older adults are caregivers, volunteers, workers, neighbors, and leaders – and their voices are essential to shaping Maine’s future.
First-Ever Older Mainers Day Brings Voices to the State House
February 3, 2026 marked the first-ever Older Mainers Day at the State House. The day brought together older adults, caregivers, service providers, and advocates from across Maine to share real experiences and engage policymakers in meaningful conversations about aging safely and well. The Maine Legislature formally recognized the day through a Joint Resolution, a meaningful acknowledgment of older Mainers, while the energy, advocacy, and personal stories shared at the State House brought the significance of the day to life.
Megan Walton, CEO of Southern Maine Agency on Aging, emphasized the opportunity Maine has to support older adults in remaining in their homes and communities.
“Today people are living well into their 80s, 90s, 100s,” she said. “However, our systems of care here in Maine haven’t kept up with that demand and that need. So, we haven’t necessarily built our towns, communities, transportation system, health care system, social service system to ensure that people can stay at home and in their own communities.”
Advocacy, Dialogue, and Momentum
The inaugural Older Mainers Day was supported by two days of advocacy and dialogue that reflected the strength and collaboration of Maine’s statewide aging network. On Monday, leaders from across Maine gathered in Hallowell for a briefing and leadership reception hosted by Spectrum Generations. Advocates, service providers, and policymakers were joined by Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, for a timely conversation about the federal aging policy landscape and its implications for older adults and caregivers in Maine. The gathering created space for shared learning, connection, and alignment ahead of the policy conversations to follow.
On Tuesday, advocates, older adults, community partners, and aging services leaders – including Southern Maine Agency on Aging – met directly with legislators to share personal stories and discuss the issues shaping how Mainers age. Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau welcomed attendees, including volunteers from AARP Maine and AgeWise Maine, emphasizing the importance of policies that support older adults and caregivers in communities across the state.
Strength in Collaboration
As the day continued, leaders and advocates gathered in the Gallery of the House of Representatives, where Representative Michele Meyer introduced the Joint Resolution recognizing the inaugural Older Mainers Day. The day was also acknowledged in the Senate Chamber and concluded with a meeting of the Legislative Council’s Caucus on Aging. Together, these moments reflected growing recognition that aging issues are central to Maine’s communities, workforce, and economy.
At a time when many people are seeking hope and forward momentum, the first Older Mainers Day offered both. It highlighted the power of collaboration, the value of lived experience, and the collective commitment to ensuring older adults and caregivers remain at the center of policy conversations.
A Day to Remember – and a Call to Action
Older Mainers Day is more than a single moment on the calendar. It is a reminder – and a promise – that Maine can continue building communities where people of all ages are valued, supported, and able to live with purpose throughout their lives.
Watch Older Mainers Day media coverage:
-
News Center Maine (WCSH 6 / WLBZ 2): Older Mainers Day
-
WMTW 8: Supporting older Mainers: Celebration planned as lawmakers discuss funding for services
