AHA Moments – September 15, 2026
Welcome to this week’s “AHA Moments,” a weekly news flash regarding key events, happenings, articles, and other relevant information for our stakeholders.
NHAHA Quarterly Meeting Presentation Spotlight
Our Quarterly Meeting is next week, taking place Thursday, September 24 in Concord! Let’s take a look at two timely presentations from the day’s agenda that you won’t want to miss:
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Community Transportation Needs Assessment (CTNA) Findings: Lily Wellington of the NH Commission on Aging will share findings and recommendations from the CTNA report, including where older adults, veterans, and adults with disabilities are experiencing transportation challenges, missed medical appointments, confidence behind the wheel, and other key measures of transportation security.
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Older Adults & Homelessness: Jennifer Chisholm of the NH Coalition to End Homelessness will share current homelessness trends among older adults in New Hampshire and highlight findings from the Coalition’s annual report, which now includes older adults as a subpopulation.
Celebrate Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month — a great time to encourage healthy habits across the lifespan. People of all ages and abilities can take steps to stay healthy as they age, like staying physically active, eating a healthy diet, and playing an active role in their health care. Explore resources from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the health and well-being of older adults. You can also sign up for email updates from ODPHP to stay up to date on healthy aging and other topics.
Free Ray-Ban Meta AI Smart Glasses for Veterans
Veterans who are blind or visually impaired can learn how Ray-Ban Meta AI Smart Glasses can support greater independence in everyday life and receive a free pair of glasses through an upcoming training opportunity from Future In Sight. Training is tailored to veterans with vision loss and includes ongoing support from vision rehabilitation professionals. There will be sessions throughout October and early November.
Upcoming Partner Events
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Taking Action for Brain Health
In recognition of World Alzheimer’s Day, the Alzheimer’s Association is hosting two informative virtual programs: Nourishing Minds on September 21 – which will explore brain health, nutrition, and caregiver support, and The Latest in Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research on September 24, featuring neurologist Dr. Daniel Press and the latest advances in research and treatment.
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Medicare Made Simple: What You Need to Know
Elliot VNA, together with New Hampshire’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and its State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), are hosting a free educational seminar about Medicare on October 15. SHIP specialists are specially trained to provide objective, unbiased Medicare information and will guide attendees through the fundamentals of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, enrollment periods, and coverage choices. Whether you’re nearing retirement, newly eligible for Medicare, or helping a family member understand their options, this session will provide the knowledge and resources you need to make informed decisions.
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Understanding End-of-Life Planning in New Hampshire
A University of New Hampshire OLLI course on October 22 will explore end-of-life planning and medical decision-making in New Hampshire. Topics include advance directives, POLST and DNR orders, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking, and stopping medical treatment. The session will also explain Medical Aid in Dying, its current legal status in New Hampshire, and efforts to make it available in the state.
Building Better Balance
There are a variety of ways to build strength and stability, from more dynamic exercises like plyometrics to low-impact balance work, like in this 30-minute workout video for older adults. Take this short quiz to learn more about your risk factors for falling, and if you’re unsure which type of exercise is right for you, talk with your doctor or healthcare provider.
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