Photo / Courtesy of Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Megan Walton is CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging.
Updated: 10 hours ago
How To
How to build an age-inclusive culture
By Megan Walton, Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Maine is the oldest state in the country by median age — and the impact of our aging population is rippling through our workforce, our caregiving infrastructure and our economy.
According to AARP, 166,000 family caregivers in Maine provide an estimated $2.9 billion in unpaid care each year. Many of these caregivers are working 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 employees 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. These responsibilities are meaningful, but also physically and emotionally demanding.
Without workplace support, caregivers 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 adjusting hours; it’s about creating space for employees to manage both their work and caregiving responsibilities.
Allowing staff to shift their schedules 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 someone supporting an aging loved one.
Be a conduit for resources
Employers can also play a vital role in connecting employees with local support. 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. They provide safe, engaging 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 volunteers. At Southern Maine Agency on Aging, more than 400 volunteers, most over 60, provide direct services to older adults in our communities. Statewide, more than 1,450 volunteers support Maine’s Agencies on Aging.
These individuals bring dedication, reliability and rich interpersonal skills. Especially for nonprofits and municipalities, 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 caregiving, just like physical and mental health, help set a tone of inclusion and empathy. They 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.
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