Hanley Forum 2024 Embracing Age Equity in Healthcare: Overcoming Ageism
On May 2nd, the Hanley Center hosted its 2024 Forum, Embracing Age Equity in Healthcare: Overcoming Ageism. The Hanley Center partnered with a range of experts on aging in designing both the content and format of the day.
We heard from Dr. Rebecca Spear, Director of Geriatric Medicine Fellowship, Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency, and Jess Maurer, Esq., Executive Director at Maine Council on Aging. These guest speakers discussed ways to combat ageism, foster age equity, and promote age-positivity in healthcare. Dr. Marilyn Gugliucci, Director of Geriatrics Education and Research at the University of New England, led a provocative debrief from our World Café process that responded to questions about what healthcare leaders can do to improve age equity. This discussion laid the groundwork for making progress toward challenging ageism.
Throughout the day, discussions delved deep into the impact of age discrimination across healthcare, from the practice level to workforce challenges. By acknowledging the experiences of older adults, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and racial/ethnic minority communities, we took crucial steps towards creating a more equitable society for all generations.
As the forum ended, there was a palpable sense of empowerment and determination among participants. Armed with newfound knowledge and inspired by the stories of resilience shared throughout the day, attendees wrote down their personal commitment for making change and left the event with a renewed energy to make a difference in their communities and workplaces.
The Hanley Forum 2024 wasn’t just about discussion—it was about action. And as we reflect on the day, we are reminded of the transformative power of collaborative and collective effort in advancing age equity and building a more inclusive future for generations to come.
Bringing Committed People Together to Lead Change
The Hanley Center Forums catalyze change. Since our inception in 2002, we have led a series of high-profile forums bringing collective wisdom, diverse perspectives, and dedicated passion to pressing health challenges in Maine. Our unique position as a neutral and well-respected teacher of collaborative leadership skills allows us to bring together individuals and organizations from across the state and build collaborative and innovative solutions.
Our forums recognize outstanding individuals and organizations leading positive change that supports the growth, sustainability, and spread of promising ideas and initiatives. Celebrations are also integral to leading change. We hope to see you at our next event.
For more information, contact Janell Lewis, Director of Leadership Development Education.
Past Hanley Center Forums:
- Embracing Age Equity in Healthcare (2024)
- Creating a Healthy, Sustainable Healthcare Workforce (2022)
- Inspiring Leadership for Sustainable Community Health Improvements: Addressing Maine’s Social Needs & Social Determinants of Health (2019)
- Anxiety & Depression in Maine’s Young People (2016)
- Home & Community-Based Elder Services Leadership Summit –Starting the Conversation (2014)
- Hanley Honors Leadership in Health Equity & Health Disparities (2014)
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Connecting Maine’s Behavioral Health Community with Electronic Health Information Exchange (2011 & 2013)
- Honoring Leadership: Dr. Robert McAfee (2012)
- Youth Obesity: Challenges & Strategies (2010)
- Honoring Medical and Humanitarian Service (2010)