Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X V J U LY 1 4 , 2 0 2 5 22 H E A LT H C A R E / W E L L N E S S F O C U S M aine is the oldest state in the country by median age — and the impact of our aging population is rip- pling through our workforce, our care- giving infrastructure and our economy. According to AARP, 166,000 family caregivers in Maine provide an esti- mated $2.9 billion in unpaid care each year. Many of these caregivers are work- ing professionals — your employees — who are also managing the daily needs of aging parents, spouses or other family members. At the same time, businesses across the state are navigating labor shortages and the growing challenge of retaining institutional knowledge as experienced workers retire. Building an age-inclusive workplace isn't just good practice, it's a timely and necessary strategy for supporting workers at every stage of life. It acknowledges the value of older employees and volunteers, who bring deep experience, loyalty and leadership — and recognizes that many workers are balancing the demands of caregiving alongside their careers. Support working caregivers Most workplaces already include employ- ees who are silently juggling work and caregiving responsibilities. Many don't even identify as "caregivers" – they're simply stepping up to help a parent get to medical appointments, manage medications or stay safe at home. ese responsibilities are meaningful, but also physically and emotionally demanding. Without workplace support, caregiv- ers risk burnout, absenteeism or even leaving the workforce entirely. Employers can help by offering flexible scheduling or hybrid work arrangements. Today, flexibility means more than adjust- ing hours; it's about creating space for employees to manage both their work and caregiving responsibilities. Allowing staff to shift their sched- ules or work remotely when needed — such as taking calls from the car between appointments — can ease stress and improve retention. A 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. shift instead of 9 to 5 can make a world of difference for some- one supporting an aging loved one. Be a conduit for resources Employers can also play a vital role in connecting employees with local sup- port. For example, Southern Maine Agency on Aging's Family Caregiver Support Program helps individuals plan for care needs, access service and find support groups. Hosting a caregiver- focused "lunch-and-learn" is a simple, meaningful way to bring these resources into your workplace. Adult Day programs, in particular, are a win-win. ey provide safe, engag- ing and socially enriching environments for older adults living with dementia — while giving caregivers much-needed respite. In response to growing demand, SMAA is expanding our Adult Day program this fall with a new location in Portland, joining our existing centers in Biddeford and Sanford. Tap into talent and volunteers Age-inclusive workplaces also recognize the value of older adults as contributors — not just in paid roles, but as volun- teers. At SMAA, more than 400 vol- unteers, most over 60, provide direct services to older adults in our com- munities. Statewide, more than 1,450 volunteers support Maine's Agencies on Aging. ese individuals bring dedication, reliability and rich interpersonal skills. Especially for nonprofits and munici- palities, volunteers represent a hidden workforce that is already stepping in to meet community needs. Employers who embrace this mindset can foster intergenerational collaboration and build stronger teams. Start with awareness Employers who normalize caregiv- ing, just like physical and mental health, help set a tone of inclusion and empathy. ey also future-proof their workplaces by supporting a multi-generational workforce and promoting flexibility, resilience and shared purpose. At the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, we envision a just and inclusive world that honors the value of older adults and caregivers. When employers share that vision, they build stronger organizations and healthier communities. Whether you're a small business, a nonprofit or a large employer, now is the time to ask: Are we doing all we can to support the age-diverse workforce that's already here in Maine? Megan Walton is the CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. She was a Mainebiz 40 Under 40 honoree in 2023. Build an age-inclusive culture B Y M E G A N W A L T O N B Y M E G A N W A L T O N H OW TO Nominate an outstanding young Maine leader today! Mainebiz seeks to honor the young professional and rising stars of Maine's business community for our 40 Under 40 Awards. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z / N O M I N AT I O N S N O M I N AT E BY AU G U S T 4 ! S PONS OR ED BY Learn to make a difference. Developing leaders who lead with heart! " My experience at SJC was transformative. The solid educational foundation combined with a culture of collaboration and camaraderie gave me the tools and confidence I needed to become an effective leader. SJC didn't just prepare me academically, it empowered me to lead with purpose, and for that, I'm incredibly grateful." Get started today at sjcme.edu/difference Kendra Coates '91 SVP/Chief Financial Officer MMG Insurance Proud Alum, Saint Joseph's College of Maine Employers who normalize caregiving … help set a tone of inclusion and empathy.

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