Maine Launches 'Age-Positive Public Health' Movement to Promote Healthspan
The Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) and the Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) have initiated a new 'Age-Positive Public Health' movement. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that Maine residents not only live longer but also experience these extended years in good health. The initiative stems from the recognition that while lifespans are increasing, there needs to be a more deliberate focus on 'healthspan'—the period of life spent in good health. Jess Maurer, Executive Director of MCOA, highlighted that ageism often hinders this goal by limiting perceptions of what is possible in older age and influencing systemic development. The movement seeks to counteract negative stereotypes about aging, which research indicates can adversely affect individual health behaviors and broader societal decisions in healthcare, workplaces, and public policy. Conversely, positive beliefs about aging are linked to better health outcomes and longer lives. Rebecca Boulos, Executive Director of MPHA, noted that listening...
