11/17/21 50+ Aging in Rural Maine: “Five Major Health Issues Facing Older Rural Residents”

Producer/Host: Suzanne Carmichael, AARP Maine volunteer

“Five Major Health Issues Facing Older Rural Residents”

-Transportation problem getting health care (why, options, lack of public awareness)
-Health care access issues
-Role of social connectedness
-Nutritional challenges
-Role of poverty

Guests:
John Gale, President, National Rural Health Association, Senior
Research Associate, Maine Rural Health Research Center (University of Southern Maine)

About the host:

Suzanne Spitz Carmichael is a retired public interest attorney. She was the Executive Director/lobbyist for three state-wide Ralph Nader consumer groups (Ohio, New York & Maine). Another position was as Maine’s first state-wide ombudsman (for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.) She has also been a freelance journalist writing primarily for the New York Times and other national publications. Other professional work included a stint as the Associate Producer of documentaries for the Seattle NBC affiliate for which she won a regional Emmy, and two jobs directing grant-making foundations. Suzanne has also offered public relations workshops and consulting services for non-profits and artists throughout the country. She notes that “My only background concerning issues facing older Mainers is that I’m 77, have lived in Deer Isle year ’round since 1997, and seem to always be analyzing issues as they happen to me or folks I know.”