Welcome to this week’s “AHA Moments,” a weekly news flash regarding key events, happenings, articles, and other relevant information for our stakeholders.
Celebrating National Senior Center Month
September is National Senior Center Month, recognizing the essential role senior centers play in supporting older adults and building stronger communities. This year’s theme, “Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script,” invites everyone to challenge outdated narratives about aging and highlight the dynamic contributions of older adults.
POLST Facilitator Training: Virtual Series for Health Professionals
A four-part virtual training on POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) – A Medical Order begins on September 15, 2025, for professionals supporting individuals with serious illness or frailty. Offered by the Foundation for Healthy Communities, this interactive series will cover the purpose, use, and legal status of the NH POLST form, along with practical strategies for leading person-centered care planning conversations.
SNAP Recertification Simplified for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
As of July 1, under a new USDA FNS (Food and Nutrition) waiver, New Hampshire has implemented the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) to streamline SNAP recertification for households where all adults are age 60+ or disabled and not working. Eligible households will benefit from a longer certification period and simplified reporting. Note: eligible households may include children under the age of 18.
Beware of the Grandparent Scam Targeting Older Adults in New England
Scammers are posing as grandchildren in emergencies to trick older adults into handing over money, stealing millions of dollars from victims in New England. These calls are emotionally manipulative and designed to create panic and urgency.
Attend these upcoming events to learn how to fight back against scams and how early cognitive decline can increase risk for exploitation.
Older Adults are Living Longer, but is the US Ready to Help Them Thrive?
The PBS documentary Aging in America: Survive or Thrive, produced with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation, explores the challenges and opportunities of an aging population. Free discussion guides for professionals and general audiences are available to encourage deeper, actionable conversations.
New Hampshire Faces Ongoing Shortage of Primary Care Providers
New Hampshire continues to face a shortage of primary care providers, driven by factors such as an aging population, physician retirements, low reimbursement rates, and health system consolidation. To meet projected demand by 2030, the state will need 333 additional primary care physicians—a 29 percent increase from 2010. This trend raises concerns about timely access to preventive and coordinated care, particularly for older adults and rural communities.
Do you have an “AHA Moment” you would like to share, or would like us to add a friend to the “Moments” Mailing List? Please email Kathryn Selinga at Kathryn.Selinga@unh.edu