University of Maine to host second annual Aging Initiative Workshop

Major aging-related challenges in Maine and the state-based research being done to address them will be the focus of a panel discussion open to the public Aug. 22, 2016 as part of the second annual Aging Initiative Workshop at the University of Maine.

Speaker of the House Mark Eves will provide opening remarks at 10 a.m. in Wells Conference Center, followed at 10:15 a.m. by the panel discussion, “Today’s Compelling Aging-Related Challenges Facing Maine’s Communities and the Role of Research in Addressing Them.”

Expected to participate in the panel discussion: Michelle Hood, president and CEO, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems; Sean Faircloth, Bangor City Council chair and mayor; Dyan Walsh, executive director, Eastern Area Agency on Aging; and Shirar Patterson, senior vice president and COO, United Way of Eastern Maine.

Following this discussion at 11:00 a.m., successes of the Aging Initiative’s Aging Research and Technologies Seed Grant Program will be highlighted. UMaine researchers will present overviews of yearlong aging-focused pilot projects funded by UMaine’s Office of the Vice President for Research.

The Aging Initiative Workshop is sponsored by UMaine’s Office of the Vice President for Research and the Center on Aging.

Maine continues to have the highest median age of any state (44.7) and it is rising at one of the fastest rates in the nation. Changing demographics in Maine and nationwide are creating new opportunities and challenges associated with an aging population. To help address these needs, the Office of the Vice President for Research developed the University’s Aging Initiative, committed to leading aging-focused research, education and services to assist our aging population to live and thrive in Maine.

The Aging Initiative Workshop will connect faculty and staff across a broad range of disciplines and professions from all seven UMS campuses and will help shape the future of aging-related research in the state of Maine by tapping into the academic excellence throughout the University of Maine System.