Engaging Elders
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"You know it's working when older people are integrated, engaged and respected in a community, enjoying a quality of life that isn't totally determined by financial status." - Lenard Kaye

As a society, we need to understand that aging entails loss--from physical and mental capacity to income and financial stability, and social support networks, including the resources needed to interact effectively in the world.

"If we do nothing, we will have a group of individuals that continues not to live the American dream — the quality of life it's capable of having," says University of Maine Professor of Social Work Lenard Kaye. "Everyone deserves a piece of the American dream, regardless of age."

In Maine, older people are particularly challenged by the out-migration of young people. Many are finding themselves in a state of aloneness — physical aloneness — and something needs to fill the gap left by the absence of critical relatives.

"We're not talking about bingo every Friday night. Their needs are as sophisticated and diverse as those of people in any other age group, perhaps more so," says Kaye. "Education needs to be offered. Cultural enrichment and high-quality health services. Home maintenance and housekeeping services. They need more options in home healthcare."

The sense of isolation and the thought of being involuntarily disengaged from community life haunt most elderly, Kaye says. "Key to the concern is that this will happen prematurely."

The goal is not to reach a point when there isn't a single shut-in left in Maine. That is unattainable, Kaye says. Instead, the key is in "notching up" the relative quality of life for older people.