AHA Moments – September 8, 2026

If you’ve been waiting to see what’s on the agenda before signing up for this month’s quarterly meeting, now’s the time! We’re excited to welcome Lily Wellington of the NH Commission on Aging, who will share a timely presentation on the Community Transportation Needs Assessment findings, as well as Jennifer Chisholm of the NH Coalition to End Homelessness, who will discuss the growing issue of homelessness among older adults. You’ll also hear the latest NHAHA and advocacy updates, with plenty of time to connect and network with your peers.

Doors open at 8:45 AM for coffee and networking. The meeting will wrap up by 11:30 AM, followed by an optional lunch.

Did you receive our latest Quarterly Newsletter, released August 27? We recently changed platforms to Constant Contact, and have learned that the newsletter may have gotten caught up in spam filters. If you haven’t seen it, please check your spam folder and then add kathryn@nhaha.ccsend.com to your safe senders list.

In the meantime, you can view the newsletter online to catch up on some of the highlights of the summer and what’s to come this fall.

Advance directives aren’t only for older adults or people who are unwell—they are an important tool for any adult to prepare for the unexpected and make sure their healthcare choices are known and respected. These conversations are often overlooked with young adults, but accidents or sudden illness can happen at any age, and naming a trusted healthcare agent can help ensure someone is prepared to speak for you if you cannot speak for yourself.

NAMI NH’s It’s Your Move will be hosting advocacy training this month, covering effective advocacy skills, the legislative process, and how to use personal stories to influence public policy. The free virtual sessions will take place Tuesday, September 23 and 30, from 6:00–8:30 PM (both dates required), or Saturday, September 27, from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM.

The Maine Council on Aging’s Change AGEnt Summit, Beyond Longevity: Closing the Health and Wellness Gap, will feature keynote speaker Dr. Somava Saha, President and CEO of WE in the World. The event will explore how we can create more equitable communities where everyone can thrive throughout longer lives. The September 30 event takes place at the University of Southern Maine, and all are welcome.

The Administration for Community Living’s Commit to Connect initiative will host a webinar on September 22 from 1:30–2:30 PM, exploring how transportation programs can improve mobility, social connection, and health outcomes for older adults and people with disabilities. The session will feature examples of person-centered transportation, peer-supported public transit training, and other strategies for strengthening community participation.

Ageism is often embedded in everyday comments, assumptions, and stereotypes, making it easy to overlook or normalize. Thoughtful conversations can help people recognize these patterns, question assumptions about aging, and challenge ageist language in the workplace, among friends and family, and in their communities.