It’s no secret that people want to be in Maine.

They’re drawn to the rocky coast, mountains, lakes and large swaths of untouched wilderness. They stay for the quality of life, the people and the communities with distinct identities steeped in tradition.

• For many older Mainers, covering costs in retirement is a major challenge

But for people who are retired, or close to it, is Maine a good place to age?

The answer is complex and depends largely on what part of the state you live in, your ability to access resources and how much money you have saved.

Maine is the oldest state in the nation, with 23% of residents 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. It’s also one of the most rural states — 61.5% of Mainers live outside designated urban areas — which affects how easily people can access health care, transportation, housing and social connections.

In this special section about aging in Maine, the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram examines how older residents are grappling with these issues. We also talk to experts about saving for retirement throughout adulthood and how to make important decisions about when to downsize, stop driving and ask for help.

Between 2017 and 2021, Maine’s population of people ages 65 to 74 increased by more than 25,000, according to the Maine State Plan on Aging Needs Assessment published in 2024. Maine’s median age is already the highest in the nation and is expected to rise even further, from 44.8 in 2020 to 49 by 2050.

As Maine’s older population both grows and lives longer, the state is at a critical point, according to experts.

“Our longevity has increased dramatically. People are living so much longer than they ever did before. Health care, transportation, Social Security — all of these systems have not caught up,” said Megan Walton, CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. “We’re already seeing it on the ground each and every day.”

Affordability is one of the most pressing issues facing older Mainers, according to experts and advocates. More than half of single, older Mainers cannot afford basic needs like food and housing.

The cost of living here is higher than the national average, and 36% of Mainers over 60 have an average annual income of $20,000 or less. Women over 75 — who typically earned less during their careers and had to take time off for caregiving — live in poverty at twice the rate of men, according to the Census Bureau.

More than a quarter of Mainers receive Social Security, with monthly payments averaging $1,767. Many retirees need additional resources, according to AARP Maine.

In rural areas, a quarter of older adults spend more than 35% of their income on housing. In the midst of the housing crisis, renters face pressure from rising rents and people who live in mobile home communities are pushing back against lot rent hikes.

There is a high demand for affordable housing units designated for older people, but waitlists consistently range from three to five years. At the same time, many older Mainers on fixed incomes cannot afford upkeep on their homes.

When it comes to health care, older Mainers often have to navigate complex care systems. Access is complicated by distance — some people have to travel hours to appointments — and by workforce shortages that impact availability of consistency and care.

Experts say more training is needed to equip the state’s caregivers and primary care providers to screen for health care conditions in older adults, especially as the state’s population ages. Maine has a limited number of doctors trained to address the health needs of older adults.

The state offers home care programs to adults who are older or disabled “in order to avoid or delay nursing home placement,” according to the state Office of Aging and Disability Services’ website. That includes services for personal care, nursing, home-delivered meals, independent support and assistive technology.

In communities across Maine — from the largest cities to the smallest towns — efforts have grown in recent years to keep older Mainers connected and thriving.

“We really would want older adults to live in their homes in their communities for as long as they possibly can,” said Noël Bonam, director of AARP Maine.

There are more than 60 designated age-friendly communities in Maine, from York to Lewiston to Fort Kent. All are striving to make their communities more welcoming and responsive to people of all ages, including those with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Community groups and agencies are organizing activities, delivering meals, doing home repairs and providing rides to medical appointments.

Newer outreach efforts have focused on men, immigrants, people of color and LGBTQ+ people. They are helping older Mainers stay active, healthy and connected to their communities.

Our Aging in Maine series explores ways to prepare for retirement, navigate the challenges of growing older and deepen community connections. More stories will publish throughout October, and all articles will run in a special print section of the Maine Sunday Telegram on Oct. 19.