Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Phone Pals program is a way Paul Gillis reaches people who might otherwise go days without conversation. “Being a Phone Pal volunteer is a way that I can help people,” he said. “As we age,
As our volunteers, community ambassadors, supporters, and partners—your voice matters! The Maine Legislature is currently considering The Older Mainers Act, LD 814, which funds programs and services provided by Maine’s Agencies on Aging. These programs help older adults stay safe,
Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Respite Care Companion Program was recently featured in the Portland Press Herald and the Maine Sunday Telegram by staff writer Gillian Graham. The program connects volunteers with older adults living with memory loss while providing
Celebrating National Nutrition Month During the month of March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes informed food choices, healthy eating patterns, and physical activity, often centered around a common theme. This March is all about Discovering the Power of
Give today. “Being alone is like being in jail without bars.” That’s how Eleanor describes her life. She lives alone in rural Acton. Because of serious health issues, she can no longer drive. There is no public transportation. No nearby
When Southern Maine Agency on Aging opened its new Adult Day Program in Portland, Lynda saw an opportunity that felt both familiar and hopeful. “The Adult Day Program at the Portland Center has been amazing for my mother, Joan,” Lynda
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
Frank and Gaetane met 20 years ago at the 50+ Club in Biddeford, right across from Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Biddeford Community Café. Frank likes to point out that they have been attending the Community Café since its very beginning, the same amount
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietitian, Elizabeth Varga, shares “Heart Health and Saturated Fats.” While heart health is important to talk about all year round, we can use the month of February to really dive
For EJ and Lynne Lovett, love is right there in the name. After 55 years of marriage, their partnership continues to shape how they spend their time, including delivering Meals on Wheels together. College sweethearts, the Lovetts have long believed
Ken and Polly met in college, fell in love, and are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Today, they volunteer together through Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program, serving older adults in their Biddeford community while continuing a lifelong commitment
James, 75, lives alone in a rural area of Sanford, where transportation challenges and long stretches without company are part of everyday life. Diagnosed with spinal stenosis, James can no longer drive safely, and even short trips can be painful.
Before becoming a Southern Maine Agency on Aging Money Minders volunteer, Cheryl was a Tax-Aide counselor for ten years. During COVID, she was part of a small team of Tax-Aide volunteers offering pop-up, walk-in sessions to help community members with
In this month’s Nutrition Education article, SMAA Meals on Wheels Dietitian, Elizabeth Varga, shares “Immunity Boosting Tips to Take You into the New Year.” As we head into the new year with the cold winter weather, you may be wondering
Eleanor lives alone in rural Acton. Because of ongoing health issues, she can no longer drive, and there is no public transportation in town. She cannot get to the grocery store or into town for basic needs. Most days, she
