How We Talk About Aging Matters

The way we talk about aging influences how we think and feel about aging and ultimately can influence how we age. When aging is framed with only negative connotations, we overlook the strengths, skills and potential of older people. The New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging (NHAHA) strives to challenge these assumptions by using more accurate, inclusive and age positive language and by highlighting the valuable roles older adults play in their families, workplaces, and communities. This approach helps build stronger, more supportive environments where people of all ages can thrive.

Reframing Aging: Countering Ageism By Changing How We Talk About Aging

This national initiative developed by the Frameworks Institute and led by the Gerontological Society of America provides research-based communications strategies to frame aging issues and end ageism by advancing an equitable and complete story about aging.

Quick Start Guide

This worksheet can get you started with quick tips on topics to avoid and alternatives to encourage.

Download the Guide

What We're Seeing in New Hampshire

Across the state, the number of older adults is growing faster than any other age group, and they’re contributing to their communities in powerful ways. Older residents are mentors, caregivers, business owners, volunteers, and community leaders. Yet, too often, their roles and value are overlooked. Many experience barriers to employment, limited representation in decision-making, or have poor access to services that reflect their needs. The NH Alliance for Healthy Aging (NHAHA) is working to make sure policies, programs, and public attitudes reflect the reality that older adults are essential to the social and economic vitality of our communities.

Our Approach to Supporting Older Residents

NHAHA is driving a statewide cultural shift in how aging is understood, discussed, and represented. By providing tools, training, and collaboration opportunities, we’re helping communities, organizations, and policymakers move beyond outdated stereotypes and embrace a more accurate, strengths-based view of aging. Through Reframing Aging, NHAHA is:

Training Professionals, Organizations, and Media on Age-Inclusive Messaging

Sharing tools and resources for replacing outdated language and imagery with more authentic portrayals of aging.

Promoting Policy Change

Encouraging age-friendly practices and decision-making at local and state levels

Amplifying Lived Experience

Elevating the voices of older adults to broaden the public perceptions on aging.

Strengthening Community Connections

Building partnerships to create inclusive, supportive environments for older adults

Sharing Data and Stories

Providing evidence and real-life narratives that demonstrate the positive impact of older adults.

Get Involved

Join us in reshaping how our communities view aging. Whether you’re a professional, advocate, or community leader, you can help bring Reframing Aging principles into your work and conversations.

Building a Statewide Movement

Reframing Aging and NHAHA are mounting a statewide network of champions who are committed to shifting public perceptions about growing older.

This movement includes partners from healthcare, government, nonprofits, education, and local communities who share their experiences, promote best practices, and support one another in this work.

Together, these champions are creating the momentum needed to change systems, influence policy, and build a future where every older adult in New Hampshire is valued and supported. And you can be a part of it.

GET INVOLVED

Ways to Take Action

Everyone has a role to play in changing the way we talk about aging. Whether you’re part of an organization, a local group, or simply passionate about this work, your voice can make a difference.

You can start by modeling age-positive conversations in your workplace or community, inviting NHAHA to present on Reframing Aging at an event, or joining our efforts. Even small actions like using more inclusive language help shift attitudes and spark broader change.

Getting involved means becoming part of a collective effort to make New Hampshire a place where people of all ages can thrive.

GET INVOLVED

Upcoming Events

APR

03

AHA Caregiving Workgroup Meeting

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APR

06

NHAHA Advocacy Workgroup

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APR

07

AHA Direct Care Workforce Meeting

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News

AHA Moments – March 24, 2026

March 26, 2026

Welcome to this week’s “AHA Moments,” a weekly news flash regarding key events, happenings, articles, and other relevant information for our stakeholders.  …

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AHA Moments – March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

Welcome to this week’s “AHA Moments,” a weekly news flash regarding key events, happenings, articles, and other relevant information for our stakeholders.  …

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