21st Annual Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium Explores the Dimensions of Solo Aging
The University of Maine Center on Aging will host the 21st Annual Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium on Wednesday, October 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.
This year’s colloquium, “The Health, Legal, Social, and Community Dimensions of Solo Aging,” will bring together researchers, practitioners, and community partners to examine the realities of aging without traditional family or caregiving support systems. Through plenary presentations and breakout sessions, attendees will explore the health, legal, social, and community factors that shape the experiences of solo agers and consider practical strategies and resources for supporting older adults.
Featured Plenary Speakers
The 2026 colloquium will feature three plenary speakers with expertise spanning health policy, social connection, family relationships, and aging:
Mara Getz Sheftel, Ph.D.
Rutgers Center for State Health Policy
Sheftel’s presentation will explore topics related to health disparities, solo aging, and loneliness.
Ashton M. Verdery, Ph.D.
Penn State University
Verdery will address social networks, social connection, and their relationship to aging.
Karl Pillemer, Ph.D.
Cornell University
Pillemer will discuss family relationships, estrangement, and aging.
In addition to the plenary presentations, the colloquium will feature breakout sessions led by local experts, practitioners, and community partners. Attendees will have opportunities to learn about health, legal, social, and community issues, gain practical tools and resources, and connect with others working to support older adults.
Continuing Education
Attendees will have the opportunity to earn 0.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through participation in this year’s colloquium.
Registration
The colloquium is open to professionals, caregivers, students, older adults, and community members interested in healthy aging.
Registration pricing: General admission: $50; University faculty and staff: $15; students: $10; older adults (65+): $10.
The event will be held virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.