Maine Residents, Regardless of Age, Don’t See Aging as a Barrier for Themselves

Despite believing older adults are devalued in society, Maine adults of all ages don’t see aging as a barrier, according to AARP research examining how aging is viewed in the state.

Engagement seems to factor into the optimism. When asked about their views on aging, half of respondents among all three age groups — 18 to 54, 55 to 65, and 65-plus — said that as they age, they are becoming more involved in helping others and find their life offers more possibilities. Yet others believe aging does come with some disadvantages. Still, Mainers generally subscribe to the adage, “With age comes wisdom.”

Mainers see the societal benefits of getting older.

Nearly nine in 10 Mainers (88%) believe wisdom comes with age, and an overwhelming majority see value in passing it on, with 93% placing importance on sharing one’s unique experiences with younger people.

Some 70% agree that the likelihood of older adults wanting to learn new things increases with age, although more than half admit they have slowed down or stopped doing activities they enjoy. Cultivating social connections and personal friendships continues with advancing in age. The 65-plus age group was most likely to agree that friends are becoming a bigger part of their lives as they grow older.

However, Mainers feel older adults are devalued in society.

Beyond the positive feedback, most Mainers think older adults become less visible (64%) and are treated with less respect (54%). Mainers age 55-plus believe younger people have more advantages in society, 70% note that we live in a youth-oriented society, and 69% say employers prefer younger workers over older workers.

Another 57% agree that older workers are excluded from employment or promotion opportunities. Sixty-six percent believe age discrimination exists in the workplace; most of them point out that age bias begins in your 50s and 60s.

And Mainers believe the fear of getting old is very real for Americans.

Of those surveyed, 75% agree that Americans are afraid of getting old, and 72% believe advertising and media negatively impact how Americans view aging.

Ninety-one percent think older adults are more likely to become targets of fraud or scams, and 72% agree that older adults have trouble keeping up with technology.

And there are the financial implications of growing old: 57% believe older adults rely on Social Security and Medicare to cover their needs, and 49% agree that older adults have difficulty living in their own home.

While half of those surveyed were optimistic about aging, some Americans have a real fear of growing old. Education is needed to dispel the myths about aging, as well as to put an end to workforce age bias and stereotyping. While we may live in a youth-oriented society, we need to ensure that older adults are valued members of the community.

Share Your Story

If you have a story to share on aging in Maine, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Jane Margesson, communications director at jmargesson@aarp.org.

AARP Maine is dedicated to improving the lives of Mainers age 50 and older, along with their families. They are advocating to ensure fair utility rates, sharing tips and workshops on how to fight fraud, advocating for Maine’s 166,000 family caregivers, and providing resources on health and retirement security. They also offer wellness classes, fun social programs, educational opportunities, and initiatives to advance age-friendly community enhancements. Click here for details on upcoming events in your area, ways to volunteer, and how to connect with your AARP Maine state office

Methodology

The online and phone survey of Maine residents 18 and older was conducted from October 3 to November 2, 2023. Data were weighted by age, gender, and education to reflect Maine’s 18 and older population.

If you have any questions, please contact Lona Choi-Allum at lallum@aarp.org. For media inquiries, please contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.