Technology is helping older adults age in place. Can Maine take advantage of it?

Maine Expands Smart‑Tech Support for Aging Residents

Poland, Maine—When 72‑year‑old Peter Carrier slipped down a front step last summer, he could have called his son for help, but the 72‑year‑old said he wanted to “keep it a private matter.” He fell, landed on his back, and was unharmed, but the incident prompted him to think about a future when a serious fall might occur. “I’d like to rely on smart technology to make that call for me,” Carrier said.

Carrier is just one of several Maine seniors who have received free smart‑home devices under a statewide program that is part of a larger effort to keep older adults safe, independent, and socially connected. The Lifelong Maine initiative—funded by a $35,000 grant from the University of New England—has installed 606 Echo Dots, Amazon’s voice‑controlled smart speakers, in homes from York in the south to Caribou in the north. The program is designed for residents over 65, and 72 % of recipients report feeling comfortable using the devices within two months of installation. “If they’re comfortable using the device now, they’re going to be more comfortable using it when they might need it more,” said Patricia Oh, founder of Lifelong Maine’s distribution program.

Echo Dots have been used for everything from playing music to dialing family members whose phone numbers have been forgotten. When paired with smart lightbulbs and plugs, the devices can help seniors avoid trips to a light switch—a potential fall risk—while also giving them a “voice‑controlled” way to turn lights on or off. Some seniors have even used the devices for medication reminders, checking local business hours, and scheduling appointments.

The smart‑tech rollout is part of a larger push in Maine to provide assistive technology to a growing aging population. Maine’s own population projections show that the number of residents 65 and older is expected to rise by nearly 75,000 between now and 2032. A 2024 survey by AARP found that 88 % of older adults in the state want to live and age at home, a preference that technology can help support.

Lending a Hand—Literally

While the smart‑speaker program addresses daily living and safety, Maine’s Community Inclusion through Technology (CITE) offers a broader range of assistive devices through a lending library in Augusta. The library, which is part of a federally funded program that costs $510,000 per year, loans items such as pocket talkers (small amplifiers that fit over the ears), sock pullers for people with back or hip problems, a robotic cat that provides companionship and brain stimulation for people with dementia, and an even newer addition: ElliQ, a lamp‑shaped robot that engages users in conversation, offers jokes, and reminds them to take medication.

Since 2023, annual loans from the library have nearly doubled, with 994 items checked out in 2025 alone. The library’s online catalog and in‑person demos at partner sites in Sanford, Bath, Lewiston, Auburn, and Farmington make devices accessible for residents who may be uncertain about purchasing them outright. Two new demonstration sites are slated for opening in Caribou and at North Star Pediatric Therapy. The program’s only setback has been the closure of a Portland partner site, Spurwink ALLTECH, last month, a decision explained by the provider as “program sustainability considerations and staffing changes.” “It’s a loss for southern Mainers, who may face longer drives to try out devices,” said CITE director Lani Carlson.

The library’s technology offerings are not limited to the high‑tech realm. “We use it every day,” said Carlson. “Normalizing assistive technology in everyday use is so important because these tools can help us remain independent and live a better quality of life.”

Connecting the Unconnected

Despite the technology push, 9,000 Maine homes and businesses still lack internet service as of late 2024, according to the Maine Connectivity Authority, the state’s broadband office. Hundreds of towns and cities remain underserved, creating a “minefield of scams” and a growing concern that seniors are being targeted by fraudsters. More than 40 % of Americans age 50 and older have fallen victim to financial scams, according to AARP. The nonprofit offers cybersecurity workshops and resources to help seniors recognize and avoid scams.

Maine’s statewide connectivity grants, which include millions in funding for community centers in Lewiston, Caribou, and other underserved areas, aim to close the digital divide and create “social connectivity.” “The real goal,” said Digital Opportunity Senior Manager Jessica Perez, “is to help older adults stay connected with friends and family, which is essential for mental and physical health.”

Real‑World Stories

For Peter Carrier, the Echo Dot is a new tool in a life that has already been shaken by loss. His savings were drained last year after he was scammed out of $27,000 by someone he met online. He now lives on Social Security and a modest pension, and he has a smart watch he purchased for less than $70. The rest of his devices—including the Echo Dot, a smart lightbulb, and a smart plug—were gifts from his sailing group in Lewiston or part of the Lifelong Maine distribution.

“I wish the cat would talk, but I have a conversation with her whether she’s listening or not,” Carrier said. He says the device has helped him stay engaged with the world around him, but he still struggles to add an emergency contact to the watch so that it automatically calls his son if he falls. “I’m trying to just keep up,” he said. “I don’t want to get left behind, because I know you’ll miss out on a lot.”

Andy Chandler, a South Portland resident who has lived with hearing loss all his life and is a long‑time advocate for assistive technology, says the smart‑speaker ecosystem is not perfect for everyone. He was unable to hear Alexa’s voice, so the Lifelong Maine team matched him with an Echo Show, which provides captions for Alexa’s responses. Chandler is optimistic: “Assistive technology has been my best friend.”

A Growing Trend

The rise in assistive technology use in Maine reflects broader national trends. Workforce shortages and caregiver burnout have forced many families to rely more on technology to maintain safety and independence. AARP’s “Vital Voices 2024” survey indicates that the majority of older adults desire to remain in their homes, a goal that can be achieved with the right mix of smart devices, connectivity, and human support.

While Maine’s aging programs have made strides in providing devices and training, challenges remain. The lack of broadband coverage in rural and underserved areas, the cost of devices for those on fixed incomes, and the need for continued education about cybersecurity all require ongoing attention. Funding is a mix of federal grants, state initiatives, and local municipal support. The success of programs like Lifelong Maine and CITE’s lending library demonstrates that when technology is paired with community outreach, the benefits can be far-reaching.

As Maine’s senior population grows, the state’s initiatives