AHA Moments – June 30, 2026

The New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging (NHAHA) is entering the final phase of its strategic planning process and is seeking feedback to help further assess and prioritize potential strategies for the years ahead. Over the past several months, with input from you, our Steering Committee, and partners across the state, NHAHA has identified strategies with the greatest potential to advance our vision of making New Hampshire a great place to live for older adults. Whether or not you participated in previous surveys, you’re invited to complete a brief ranking survey to help inform the next step in the strategic planning process.

As New Hampshire summers continue to bring more heat and humidity, a number of state and local programs are available to help residents manage the cost of keeping their homes cool. These include rebates for energy-efficient cooling systems, income-based electric bill assistance, and support through local nonprofits and Community Action Programs, with additional options available for eligible older adults and households facing financial strain.

The Frameworks Institute has just released their newest  Fast Frames video series, which breaks down how to navigate high-pressure communication moments while advancing your long-term vision for narrative change. Topics include:  Navigating Mis- and Dis-information;  Crisis Communications that Strengthen Long-term Narrative Strategy; and From Individual Framing Choices to a Coordinated Narrative Shift. 

The 2026 Disability Pride Parade and Festival returns to Concord on July 18, highlighting disability identity, community, and justice through this year’s theme, “Every Body, Every Mind.” The family-friendly event features a downtown parade, community speakers, live entertainment, and a festival showcasing organizations and resources focused on advocacy, wellness, education, equity, and the arts.

On a recent episode of Speaking of Alzheimer’s, a podcast created by Alzheimer’s Association New England Region, a local expert talks about the differences between hospice and palliative care, when these services may be needed, and how they can improve quality of life for both individuals and families.

Good lighting can be just as important as grab bars and walk-in showers when it comes to aging safely at home. Experts say brighter, well-placed lighting, like motion-activated lights, warm LED strips, and higher-lumen bulbs, can improve visibility, reduce fall risks, and make it easier to navigate the home, particularly at night.

Vision loss does not have to mean the end of a career. Vocational rehabilitation services can help people with blindness or low vision develop new skills, access assistive technology, receive job-search support, and obtain workplace accommodations that make it possible to find, keep, or advance in employment. As more adults work later in life, these services are becoming increasingly important for maintaining financial security, independence, and social connection.