AHA Moments – June 2, 2026

Join the NHAHA Communications Committee! This mainly virtual group brings together communications, marketing, outreach, and engagement staff from aging-focused organizations across the state to share tools, align messaging, and amplify each other’s work in a practical, collaborative way. Participation offers a simple way to connect with other professionals, strengthen your organization’s visibility, and enhance our collective impact – without adding extra work on your plate.

On May 18, the New Hampshire State Commission on Aging and Governor Kelly Ayotte recognized the 2026 Older Adult Volunteer Award recipients, celebrating their service and contributions to communities across the state. Honorees included Evelyn “Evie” Stacy (Belknap County), Pauline Pope (Carroll County), Deborah Marshall (Cheshire County), Cameron “Cammie” Young (Coös County), Nathaniel “Nat” Scrimshaw (Grafton County), Joseph Stapleton (Hillsborough County), Myla Everett (Merrimack County), Tylene Jousse (Rockingham County), Jim Banks (Strafford County), and Suzanne “Sue” Gottling (Sullivan County), along with additional honorable mentions recognized for their community impact.

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting free community events across NH to help people learn how everyday lifestyle choices can support long-term brain health. Join an upcoming “Building Brain-Healthy Habits” session to explore the latest research on risk reduction, including the impact of physical activity, nutrition, cardiovascular health, and cognitive engagement.

Register to attend an in-person event in Strafford, Manchester, or Hollis.

The University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability is holding a Well-Being Webinar, Accessible Yoga for All, on June 10. Led by Karen Russell and Miranda McCarthy of Adaptive Yoga Live, this online session will feature inclusive, chair-based yoga, calming breathwork, and mindful relaxation designed by disabled practitioners to support participants of all ages, abilities, and mobility levels. The event is free and open to everyone.

A recent National Council on Aging (NCOA) poll of adults age 55+ found that online scams are nearly universal among older Americans, with 77% reporting at least one scam attempt in the past year and many experiencing emotional, financial, or even physical health impacts. The report also found strong support for increased accountability from social media platforms, including stronger business verification, scam prevention measures, and limits on targeted advertising practices.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) will host an “Older Americans Act Fiscal Training for the Aging Network” webinar on Wednesday, June 10 from 2–3:30 PM. The training will cover key fiscal responsibilities, compliance requirements, and practical strategies to support effective and accountable Older Americans Act (OAA) programs across the Aging Network.

A recent issue brief from the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights the significant emotional and mental health challenges facing family caregivers, with nearly two-thirds reporting moderate to high emotional stress and one in four experiencing loneliness. The report also identifies disparities among caregivers and calls for stronger supports, including respite services, workplace flexibility, peer support, and expanded mental health resources to better protect caregiver wellbeing.