Welcome to this week’s “AHA Moments,” a weekly news flash regarding key events, happenings, articles, and other relevant information for our stakeholders.
LAST CALL: Direct Care Worker Retreat is Tomorrow!
This free, full-day retreat for direct care professionals will take place on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH. There will be inspiring presentations, meaningful networking, and a keynote from Gina McGuire, MA, RN, HN-BC, on Staying Grounded Through Change.
Registration Open for the NHAHA December Quarterly Meeting
Join the NH Alliance for Healthy Aging for our final Quarterly Meeting of the year on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 9:00-11:30 AM, with optional networking starting at 8:45 as well as 11:30-noon. The meeting will take place in-person and feature updates, partner highlights, and discussions on key initiatives shaping healthy aging in New Hampshire.
Agenda Highlights:
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Healthcare Decisions Coalition – Janice McDermott
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Brightspot: Seacoast Dementia Hub – Ashley Seinin, RiverWoods
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NHAHA Inclusion Activities – Talmira Hill
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NHAHA and Advocacy Updates – Jennifer Rabalais, UNH CACL & Judith Jones, New Futures
Stable Housing Linked to Earlier Cancer Detection in Older Adults
A new Johns Hopkins study found that older adults receiving federal housing assistance are diagnosed at earlier stages of breast, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers compared to peers without assistance. Researchers linked housing program data with Medicare and cancer registries, showing that stable, affordable housing may improve access to preventive care and timely evaluation of symptoms, which are key to saving lives and reducing treatment costs.
Partner Event: Navigating Cognitive Changes and Mental Health in Older Adults
NAMI New Hampshire will host Navigating Cognitive Changes and Mental Health in Older Adults, a live virtual workshop, on November 3, 2025 from 3:00–5:00 PM with presenter Meredith Kolodze, DSW. The session will deepen understanding and improve clinical approaches to aging-related cognitive and emotional challenges. Registration is $30 and attendees can earn 2.0 continuing education credits.
New Obesity Definition Could Include Nearly 80% of Older Adults Aged 70+
A new study from Mass General Brigham shows that under recently updated obesity criteria based on body fat distribution, not just BMI, up to 80% of U.S. adults aged 70+ may now be classified as having obesity. The study found that people meeting the new definition, including those with a normal BMI but excess abdominal fat, face higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and early death. Experts say this expanded view of obesity highlights the importance of looking beyond weight alone when evaluating health risks.
Looking for nutrition counseling? Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center to ask about nutrition programs for older adults in your community.
Partner Event: Choosing a Health Care Representative
If you had an accident or serious illness and couldn’t speak for yourself, do you know who would make medical decisions for you? Board-certified nurse practitioners Patricia O’Connor and Mary Kazanowski will hold a virtual conversation on November 5 from 12:00-1:00 PM about the importance of naming a health care representative. This session is ideal for those with questions about advance directives, anyone unsure how to start the conversation with loved ones, or those who want the security of naming a decision-maker but have reservations.
Click this link to join The Foundation for Healthy Communities for this free virtual Lunch and Learn—no registration needed. Passcode: 204621
What Happens if You Outlive Your Retirement Savings?
A growing number of older adults are facing the reality of depleting their savings in retirement. Research shows nearly 80% of low-income retirees and even a portion of higher earners may run out of money over a 20-year retirement. With Social Security often covering less than half of living expenses, options like part-time work, downsizing, and subsidized housing are becoming more common planning considerations.
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