Keeping Seniors Healthy and Vital
- March 20th 2025
- Community
Pictured standing are volunteers and staff with Adult Day Program Head Nicole Garrity leading the group of participants at a recent “St. Patrick’s Community Café”
Photo Credit: Kristi King
By Kristi King
The Southern Maine Agency on Aging located at the Anderson Learning Center in Springvale is a non-profit organization supporting seniors in York County. This agency is dedicated to planning and implementing social services for adults aged 60 and older, prioritizing people with the greatest economic and social needs. Its goal is to offer valuable resources, services and information for older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers with a variety of programs that address social, financial, medical and personal issues along with providing direct service programs and advocacy. The wellness programs include an Adult Day Program in Springvale that is geared toward older adults with dementias to support memory, depression and isolation concerns, while participant’s caregivers are offered support services including workshops, support groups and respite care. The Agewell Fall Prevention program offers virtual wellness classes for all seniors along with other services including Medicare Counseling, Money Minders and Phone Pals. The Springvale location also provides Meals on Wheels to fight food insecurity.
SMAA has a dedicated staff, partners, supporters, and many sponsors like Kennebunk Savings Bank, along with a large network of volunteers that work together to implement solutions to the increased health disparities found in our community, including senior isolation. Community Client Experience Ambassador Tamara Milliard organizes social interaction events for seniors including the monthly Community Café where seniors gather for a meal, games and conversation. Brenda Laflin, who attended the recent St. Patrick’s Community Café said, “It just adds to the community we feel when we gather together.” The social event included a hearty beef stew, Irish trivia run by Adult Day Program Head Nicole Garrity and over two dozen seniors actively engaged in comradery. Garrity noted, “People leave here, and you can see the joy in their eyes.” Attendees wearing holiday green, colorful hand tattoos and pins commented on the festive tables and miniature “Pots o’ Gold” with foil candies decorated by Decorations Volunteer Susan Bergeron who said, “It’s nice to have this monthly gathering for everyone to look forward to.” Resource Specialist Care Coordinator Alyssa Gilbert, volunteering on her day off, hand delivered meals and desserts prepared by Sarah’s Kitchen, a local popular catering business. Milliard said, “This is just one of the events on the full monthly calendar of programs that is well attended.” SMAA.org/events/ has a complete listing of their daily events whether in person or virtual.
