AHA Moments – August 18, 2026

The New Hampshire Commission on Aging has released Getting There Together, the state’s largest study of community transportation. The report explains where older adults, veterans, and disabled adults are facing transportation challenges, including missed medical appointments, how confident older adults feel behind the wheel, and other key measures of transportation security.

Read the report, plus explore additional data including county profiles and a data companion. 

ABLE NH’s Transportation Equity (TrEq) Task Force is hosting a Lunch & Learn on August 21 from 12:00–1:00 PM, exploring key findings from the 2026 Community Transportation Needs Assessment (CTNA), including where New Hampshire’s transportation system falls short and who is being left behind. Hear from NH Commission on Aging Executive Director Lily Wellington, as well as the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging, followed by a Q&A and practical resources.

GoodLife Programs and Activities is holding a free event, An OUTstanding Life, on August 20 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Gnomies in Concord. This is a welcoming gathering for LGBTQIA+ older adults to connect, experience joy, and build community. Drop-ins are welcome—no registration is required.

The New Hampshire Senior Games continue through mid-September, offering older adults opportunities to stay active, compete, and qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games. Registration for most sports closes one week before the event, although some offer same-day registration—check the individual sport pages for details. Upcoming events include bowling, cycling, power walk, race walk, and track & field on August 22–23, followed by cornhole on September 13 and bocce on September 16. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Lamprey Health Care is one of seven organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2026 federal Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) grant. Over the next three years, the funding will support the expansion of evidence-based programs that help older adults and adults with disabilities better manage chronic conditions while addressing behavioral health needs. There will also be a focus on reaching people facing the greatest economic and social challenges.

A new report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP examines the experiences of family caregivers supporting adults age 50 and older. Findings include that caregiving is lasting longer and often comes with significant emotional, financial, and medical responsibilities. Caregivers now provide support for an average of five years, with 60% handling medical or nursing tasks, more than four in 10 reporting financial impacts, and 64% experiencing emotional stress. About half also find a sense of purpose in their role.

Vaccines can help older adults reduce their risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications from preventable diseases. Recommended vaccines include flu, shingles, pneumococcal disease, RSV, COVID-19, and hepatitis B; but timing and eligibility vary based on age, health, vaccination history, and personal risk factors. Many vaccines are covered by Medicare, although coverage and network requirements depend on the vaccine and your plan.