1. The Atrium At Cedars
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 775-4111
Address: 640 Ocean Ave.
Description: The Cedars began its life in 1929 as a home for elderly Jewish folks in Portland. Over the years it changed, adding a nursing component, before opening a nonsectarian retirement community at its present location on Ocean Avenue. The company likes to call the lifestyle it promotes at the Atrium “progressive living,” and it certainly seems like the good life, with fine food at the formal dining room and at the cafe, an indoor pool and spa, a fitness center, proximity to all of the great restaurants of Portland, and comfortable apartments. Maintenance and housekeeping can be taken care of, making the hassles few.
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Address: 777 Stevens Ave.
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Address: 75 State St.
4. The Woods At Canco
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 772-4777
Address: 257 Canco Rd.
Description: Not the woodsiest facility, but, hey, this is the Forest City; these Woods are operated by Holiday Retirement Corporation. There are 128 independent apartments—both one- and two-bedroom—and 13 cottages, and three squares a day. Amenities include a big-screen TV lounge, an activity room, library, and exercise room, and you’re 5 miles from golf. All of Portland is available to you, thanks to regularly scheduled trips. Rent is $1,500 to $3,300.
5. Senior Adult Growth Exchange Center For Continuing Education
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 780-5900 or (800) 787-04
Address: University of Southern Maine 68 High St.
Description: Much like Senior College, this USM-based program provides workshops for older area residents at reasonable prices. Students pay $35 ($53 per couple) to participate and then can select a lecture or discussion from the handful offered on the three dates when the SAGE program meets. These are single shots and might be anything from studying family history to genetic engineering in contemporary society.
6. Lifeline Center For Fitness, Recreation, And Rehabilitation
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 780-4170
Address: P.O. Box 9300
Description: Based at the University of Southern Maine, Lifeline has been just that for generations of Mainers, helping people recover from physical trauma, quit smoking, improve their health and well-being, and simply find fitness. The center offers a host of programs and classes for seniors in the Greater Portland area, from simple walking and jogging sessions to aerobics, tai chi, and yoga. It also runs more academic health and wellness classes. They’re a great resource.
7. City Of Portland Parks And Recreation
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 874-8793
Address: 17 Arbor St.
8. Department Of Health And Human Services
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 756-8275
Address: 134 Congress St.
Description: Portland’s very active parks and rec department has a full slate of activities designed specifically for people over 55. These might include outings, luncheons, exercise, or educational programs. See the Web site or give a call for the full schedule. The city’s Department of Health and Human Services sponsors a groundbreaking program called Eldercize, which incorporates movement from tai chi and dance to get people active.
9. The American Association Of Retired Persons (Aarp)
City: Portland, ME
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (207) 775-7774
Address: 1685 Congress St.
Description: AARP has an active chapter in Maine, helping seniors in all aspects of life, from lobbying on political issues to setting up volunteer programs to distributing essential information. For the small annual fee of $12.50, anyone over age 50 can get access to a wealth of discounts on travel, lodging, food, and car rentals, as well as a home-prescription program, and they’ll receive a subscription to the AARP newsletter. They get invites to social gatherings and events, they’ll learn about issues facing seniors on the Maine coast, and they’ll find out about community-service opportunities. It’s probably the best $12.50 any retiree will ever spend.