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Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., professor and director for geriatrics education and research, was quoted in a July 21, 2013 Portland Press Herald special report on aging in the state of Maine.  The report is part of an extended series on this topic, which consists of stories, videos, and a comprehensive resource website.  Subsequent installments will be released throughout the year.

According to the article, Maine has the highest median-age of all 50 states, and the aging population is creating shortages in housing, health care, transportation, long-term care, family caregiver support and legal protections against elder abuse, all of which may have devastating consequences for Maine, both socially and economically, if not properly addressed.

The report says of Gugliucci: “In her experience, concern about the senior boom doesn’t translate into action because looming demographics alone aren’t enough o move people…’Aging isn’t sexy,’ Gugliucci said.  ‘People are afraid of it.  So we end up chewing on the kneecaps of these issues but not really getting anywhere.’”