This story is based on an interview with Megan Walton, 40, CEO of Southern Maine Agency on Aging. It has been edited for length and clarity.
Memories of close bonds with grandparents can shape a person’s life in profound ways. For Megan Walton, CEO of the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, such memories have been a guiding force both personally and professionally.
Walton recalls the invaluable role her grandparents played, sharing wisdom and allowing her parents much-needed time off. Her own children now share a similar bond with their grandparents, enjoying time with a grandfather who remains intellectually and physically active, as well as a grandmother whose community involvement shines through despite health challenges.
I initially worked in child foster care
Walton’s mother remains socially engaged, frequently filling her evenings with dinners and games like Mahjong. Her dynamic involvement in the community stands as a testament to embracing life’s later years.
These personal experiences drive Walton’s passion in her current role. As CEO, she focuses on empowering older adults and their caregivers through programs that support aging in place, such as adult day programs and Meals on Wheels.
Initially, Walton’s career began in Seattle, working with foster care organizations. This experience offered growth opportunities and eventually led her to Portland, Maine, where she joined the Southern Maine Agency on Aging in 2019. She found similarities between foster care and aging services, particularly in the misconceptions held by society.
Walton emphasizes the universal nature of aging, noting that communities often lack the infrastructure to support longer life expectancies. Services like housing and nutrition become crucial as people live into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.
My job is rewarding
Realization is growing that aging impacts multiple facets of life, including housing, transportation, healthcare, and workforce. Walton believes older adults are vital contributors to society and wants to inspire future generations to view aging positively.
Working with a diverse team of staff and volunteers, many of whom are over 60, Walton finds her role incredibly fulfilling. For instance, retired Meals on Wheels volunteers often find joy in their routes, forming new connections and staying socially active.
I’m looking forward to aging myself
Volunteers also find opportunities to develop new skills. Walton recounts a story of a man who found a newfound passion for cooking after previously not engaging in it.
Such stories have shifted Walton’s perspective on aging, making her excited about her own future. She envisions continued engagement and contributing to society well into her later years, feeling that her journey is just beginning at 40.
