UNE partners with the McArthur Library for programs to benefit older adults

As far back as she can remember, Susan Wehry, M.D., associate professor and director of AgingME at UNE's College of Osteopathic Medicine, has loved visiting local libraries.

A recent trip to the McArthur Library in Biddeford helped form the basis of a new partnership.

Wehry struck up a conversation with Melanie Coombs, adult services supervisor at the library.

“We discovered a shared love of books and concern for our community and recognized libraries may be an underutilized central place for connecting with older adults,” Wehry explained.

Coombs soon learned they had some common goals, including making Maine and Biddeford a better location to age in place.

“Demographic projections show that the percentage of people considered older adults will grow exponentially over the next few decades,” Coombs stated. “As librarians, we need to constantly pivot toward the needs of our community. As society ages, we need to be ready to provide better and more innovative services.”

Coombs and Wehry went to work putting together a series of programs in May to commemorate Older Americans Month.

Wehry joined the library’s weekly Book Talk Live program on Facebook and swapped book recommendations on aging and brain health with the show’s hosts. She followed that up a few days later with a presentation on how aging affects the brain.

“The big takeaway was basically use it or lose it — and that is true for body, brain and spirit,” Wehry commented. “The best thing you can do to maintain a healthy brain is to be physically active, intellectually stimulated, socially connected, and living with purpose. I like to say that what is good for your heart is good for your head and for your bones too.”

“We’re lucky to live in Maine,” Wehry continued, with so much natural beauty. There’s good evidence that shows our brains are ‘better on nature.’” She encouraged listeners to spend more time walking in the natural world.

Mary Lou Ciolfi, J.D., M.S., professor of public health policy and law in UNE’s Graduate Programs in Public Health, also gave a presentation on ageism.

Coombs says she is looking forward to more collaborations with UNE in the future. Discussions are underway for a program on nutrition for older adults, and the library is planning to highlight Older Americans Month again next year.

“The University of New England is a perfect neighbor for McArthur Library,” Coombs explained. “We are delighted to be a conduit in bringing new and different audiences in to showcase the amazing work UNE is doing.”