What it means to matter and maintain a sense of purpose as older adults is a focus of this year’s statewide aging summit organized by the Maine Council on Aging.

Held at the Augusta Civic Center since 2014, the 2025 Change AGEnt Summit will be held Sept. 19 at Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Passamaquoddy tribal members Cyril Francis and Lauren Stevens will deliver a welcoming blessing and song.

Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, Ph.D., and artist Kate Crary will give a keynote presentation on “The Deep Need to Matter,” exploring the science and spirituality of maintaining a sense of purpose that supports mental health, well-being and human dignity from youth through older adulthood.

During the lunch break, council Executive Director Jess Maurer will present annual awards recognizing people whose work benefits older Mainers. This year’s recipients are Brenda Gallant, executive director, Maine’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program; Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston; Claudette Ndayininahaze, executive director, In Her Presence; Dr. Rebecca Spear, geriatric medicine fellowship director, Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Practice; Leslie Hill, professor emeritus of politics, Bates College; and Motivational Services Inc.

The summit is open to people of all ages who are interested in creating a more age-positive culture in Maine. It will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and include panel discussions, breakout sessions and an exhibitor hall.

Visit mainecouncilonaging.org for more information and to register for the event.