Aging can be confusing, but thanks to a dedicated group, some of the confusion may be lifted on Sunday, Sept. 22 when Boothbay Region YMCA hosts the first Changing Aging event.

The idea grew out of quarterly meetings held by the Elder Forum, run by Chip Griffin, but it was first given structure by Sue Burge, founder of Set for Success. “The discussion was focused on all the things that are available to our elders but we needed to find a way to get the information out into the community. I wasn’t able to attend the meetings but Chip always sent me the minutes and it didn’t take me but three seconds to see there was an easy way to accomplish what they wanted to do. We needed to get permission to use the Y and put on an event like Set for Success.”

Before Burge knew it, a team had been put together that included her, Anni Pat McKenney of the Coulombe Center for Health Improvement, Connie Jones of Maine Health, Cathy Cole from LincolnHealth, Brooke Alley from LincolnHealth, Kelly Creamer, director of Wellness/Rehab at LincolnHealth, Courtney Moulton from LincolnHealth, Kathleen Arabasz, Community Navigator at Boothbay Region Community Resource Council, and Nancy Van Dyke of Set for Success.

The event will feature local medical providers and others who serve the elder community. It is open to all residents and caregivers in Lincoln County. The organizers hope family members, friends and older residents will come and learn more about the extraordinary resources available to help them through their later years.

“We’re hoping that hundreds will come,” said Burge. “People are really excited about it. It’s going to be multi-generational and as user-friendly as possible. We have tweens and teens coming to act as guides for visitors who need some help navigating the event.”         

Attendees can visit informal booths that have representatives of local organizations such as the American Legion, Alzheimer’s Association, Boothbay Region Health Center, Lincoln County Dental, Comfort Keepers, Maine Health Care at Home, New Hope for Women, Rebuilding Together, Spectrum Generations, and more on hand to explain what they do and how they can help.

“There’ll be no selling, just lots of information,” Burge said. “If people want to make a phone call after the event and follow up that’s fine, but for now it’s just about getting the message out there.”

There will be a station for blood pressure testing, an ophthalmologist, hair salon, dentist, a foot clinic, and even the chance to get a flu shot. There will be breakout sessions discussing “The Importance of Planning Ahead,” “Healthy Aging and the Brain,” and “How Seniors Can Prevent Scams.” And in the middle of the event space will be what Burge called “the rest stop” with tables and chairs, drinks, and finger foods.

The event is free to all and will run 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.