The Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging has announced the election of Waterville lawyer John E. Nale as president of the group.

Nale’s practice specializes in legal issues affecting the elderly, including estate planning, health care, guardianship and Social Security.

Also elected to the association board are, as vice president, Betsy Cantrell, an advocate for senior citizens in the state; as treasurer, Noelle Merrill, executive director of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging in Bangor; and as secretary, Muriel Scott, president and CEO of Senior Spectrum in Augusta.

Maine’s five agencies on aging were created and funded by the federal Older Americans Act of 1965. They include Aroostook Agency on Aging in Presque Isle, Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor, SeniorsPlus in Lewiston, Senior Spectrum in Augusta and Southern Maine Agency on Aging in Scarborough.

The five agencies operate independently and provide a range of services to older residents, including Meals on Wheels, community center activities, caregiver respite and adult day care programs.

The association’s mission is to advocate on behalf of Maine’s senior citizens and the issues affecting them. The association works to educate and inform the Maine Legislature and U.S. Congress on specific legislative and budget issues. It also supports social and economic policies and resources that promote independence, dignity and economic self-sufficiency for Maine’s elders.