Following a successful career in nursing and public health policy, Jean Saunders of Saco still spends 30 to 40 hours a week working and putting her skills and experience to use in advocating for a demographic that is often overlooked in public policy discussions: senior citizens.

Saunders, 65, is passionate about her work, citing a “tremendous need” and her own sense of urgency.

Several years ago, Saunders found herself looking for a volunteer opportunity that could match her experience and training. She found that opportunity when she heard about the Age Friendly project, a global initiative that was formed in the United States by a partnership between the World Health Organization and the AARP (American Association of Retired Persons).

A native of Winslow, Maine, Saunders and her husband David have lived in Saco for more than 30 years. The couple has three grown children: Katie, Allison and William. In addition to being the Program Coordinator of Age Friendly Saco, Saunders also serves on the board of directors for the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Transit system.

In 2018, Saunders was awarded the Midge Vreeland Public Service Award by the Maine Public Relations Council for her work in assisting seniors in Saco. More recently, in 2022, she was named as the recipient of AARP’s Andrus Award, which recognizes and honors individuals who make a difference in the lives of others.

We caught up with Saunders recently to learn more about the Age Friendly Program and its resources and opportunities for elderly residents in Saco.

How long has Age Friendly Saco been around?

“Well, as I learned about the Age Friendly initiative, I began talking with city officials, including former Mayor Ron Michaud, and that was back in 2016. Developing and implementing programs is my passion. The mayor was very receptive, and we just started moving forward from there.

“We started with a community survey and formed a steering committee. In 2018, we formed our own 501c3 organization.”

Are there similar programs in other Maine communities?

“Yes. Both Biddeford and Old Orchard Beach have their own programs. There are actually more than 80 Age Friendly programs in the state of Maine.”

Besides you, how many others volunteer for Age Friendly Saco?

“We are extremely blessed. We have 114 ‘boots on the ground’ volunteers that help us with our various programs and activities. For example, our volunteers provided more than 1,800 rides to seniors needing transportation to and from medical appointments.

“We are very, very lucky to have such an awesome group of volunteers We are always on the lookout for additional volunteers and the group we have now is simply amazing.”

Besides providing transportation, what else does Age Friendly Saco provide?

“Basically, our whole mission is centered upon helping people stay in their homes as they age. We have several different programs to address transportation, housing, health care and socialization needs.

“We describe our core mission as developing and supporting a Community for a Lifetime. Our goal is to promote opportunities for health, engagement, and safety while removing barriers that prevent our seniors from remaining in their own homes as they age.”

Do you work with other agencies to accomplish these goals?

“Yes, absolutely. We have a strong relationship with the city of Saco, but also work closely with other groups such as the Biddeford Housing Authority.”

How does supporting seniors help other community members, especially younger residents?

“We’re talking about the people who built this community, and now we can help them with simple things like minor home repairs and updates that allow them to remain living at home. We also want to work with the national Nesterly Program.

“Nesterly help seniors stay in their own homes by partnering with younger people who have housing needs. So, you may have a college student who is having a hard time finding an affordable place to live. Nesterly connects seniors with others who are perhaps looking to rent a room or live in an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit). The student agrees to spend a certain amount helping his or her hosts with various household tasks, from mowing the lawn to going to the grocery store.

“What’s good for older people is generally good for younger people.”

What are the challenges you face?

(Laughs) “Where do I begin? There is also some difficulty in reaching out to and connecting with seniors in the community who may need help. Many seniors are reluctant to reach out for help, and we are always on the lookout for more volunteers.”

If you would like to learn more about Age Friendly Saco, you may visit their website: https://agefriendlysaco.org/

Randy Seaver can be contacted at randy@randyseaver.com.