A Business Model for Productive Successful Aging in Place in Rural Maine

Many rural older adults are often forced to leave the homes in which they have raised families and lived for decades because they can no longer physically, financially, or emotionally maintain their homes. Until now, little attention has been focused on technological tools, social structures, and practical ways to empower people to remain in their homes. This proposal fills that gap. The demographics of Maine and the country illustrate the importance of this approach. Some 78 million Baby Boomers will soon be facing this critical juncture in their lives. Some will leave their homes and enter assisted living facilities, at a huge economic and social cost to themselves, their heirs and public resources. This project seeks to determine the feasibility of developing a practical and proactive business model and process for rural Maine citizens to successfully and productively age in place. The proposed will research will assist in helping people to create a vision and plan for their own aging which will help them conserve the resource that often means the most to them,their home,while also saving public funds which could better be used for other needs.