AHA Moments – May 19, 2026
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: Coffee and Caregiving Conversations is May 22
Join the NH Alliance for Healthy Aging Caregiving Workgroup for the next Coffee and Caregiving Conversations gathering this Friday, May 22, from 8:30–10:00 AM at the Foundation for Healthy Communities in Concord. This informal morning event offers an opportunity for meaningful discussion, connection, and networking with others engaged in caregiving and aging-related work. There will also be a short presentation on NH’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers’ programs and services at the meeting.
Upcoming Webinar: Policy, Trends and State Strategies to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce
On June 17, the NHAHA Direct Care Workforce Workgroup will be hosting, “The Road Ahead: Policy, Trends and State Strategies to Strengthen the Direct Care Workforce.” The event will explore how federal and state policy changes are impacting the direct care workforce in New Hampshire, and what opportunities exist to strengthen and support this essential sector moving forward and how you can engage.
Arts Project Grant Opportunity
The New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (NHSCA) is now accepting applications for its new Arts Project Grants program, which supports initiatives that use the arts to strengthen communities, support individual wellbeing, enrich K–12 learning, and foster creativity and positive community impact. Eligible projects may serve a wide range of New Hampshire residents, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, students and families, law enforcement, and people experiencing physical or mental health challenges.
Steps to Safety: Prevent Fire and Falls at Home
The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office will present Steps to Safety: Prevent Fire and Falls at Home on Wednesday, June 17 at 10:00 AM at the Plymouth Regional Senior Center Conference Room. This interactive presentation helps older adults learn practical ways to reduce fire and fall risks at home while encouraging participants to share their own experiences and safety tips. Older adults face a significantly higher risk of injury from fires and falls, with falls now accounting for more emergency responses than fires in many communities.
Documentary Highlights Mental Health Impact of Caregiving
The documentary Unconditional: When Minds Hurt, Love Heals, developed over seven years, explores the mental health challenges faced by family caregivers and underscores that “mental health equals health.” Through the personal stories of three families, including filmmaker Richard Lui’s own experience caring for his father with Alzheimer’s, the film illustrates both the strain and resilience involved in caregiving.
Protecting Older Adults from Fraud & Abuse: Free Webinar Series Begins Today
In recognition of Elder Justice Awareness Month, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Elder Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) will host a free, 10-part webinar series from May 19–June 30 on protecting older adults from fraud, abuse, and exploitation. Held Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 PM, the expert-led sessions will cover topics including government imposter scams, investment fraud warning signs, Social Security online safety, and elder abuse prevention and intervention strategies. Additional session details and the full schedule will be posted on the EJCC website at least two days before each webinar.
Join the first two webinars virtually by clicking the following links: Top Scams Affecting Older Adults on May 19 and Combatting Imposter Scams on May 21. Registration is not required.
Report Shows Strong Health and Economic Benefits of Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs
A new analysis from the National Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME) Resource Center highlights the return on investment of CDSME programs, showing meaningful improvements in older adults’ health, confidence in managing chronic conditions, and reduced loneliness. The report concludes that CDSME programs are a high-value, low-cost intervention supporting healthier aging and offers data to inform policymakers on their continued expansion and sustainability.
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