October 9 is Ageism Awareness Day
Ageism Awareness Day is an opportunity to draw attention to the impact of ageism in our society and work together to build age-inclusive communities.
Ageism refers to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) toward others or ourselves based on age. It negatively impacts our health and well-being, our financial security, and the economy. It impacts us at every age.
The good news is that we can do something about it together on Ageism Awareness Day.
Ageism Awareness Day - American Society on Aging
Age inclusion is the way forward.
How we view aging impacts where we as a society invest and how we make policy—and we need a shared, realistic view of aging to create solutions that serve us all. We have challenges to tackle and bias against a growing segment of our society—and ourselves, as we age—gets in the way. It’s time to expand our understanding of aging and bring everyone into the tent so we can work together.
Age-inclusion is crucial. Limited, unrealistic views of aging and the “us vs. them” mentality hinder our ability to collaborate and build solutions. This Ageism Awareness Day, help spread the word that aging is a rich and varied experience, but one that unites us, and offers an opportunity to build a society that works for us all—once we get past ageism.
 Rural Health Transformation Program
Overview: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Section 71401)
This landmark legislation establishes the Rural Health Transformation Grants Program, administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The program dedicates $50 billion nationwide between 2026 and 2030—an annual investment of $10 billion.
To access these funds, each state must submit a Rural Health Transformation Plan to CMS by November 5, 2025.
For New Hampshire, this means an expected allocation of approximately $100 million per year, totaling $500 million over five years, to strengthen rural health care access, quality, and long-term sustainability.
For more information and questions, please contact DHHS at RHTF@dhhs.nh.gov.
 Medicare’s Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period or Fall Open Enrollment, runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can make certain changes to your health insurance coverage, including adding, dropping, or changing your Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage. Even if you are happy with your current health and drug coverage, Open Enrollment is a good time to review what you have, compare it with other options, and make sure that your current coverage still meets your needs for the coming year.
The changes you can make include:
- Joining a new Medicare Advantage plan
- Joining a new Part D prescription drug plan
- Switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Switching from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)
New Hampshire’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, has knowledgeable, unbiased and experienced counselors conveniently located across the state at the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) formerly known as ServiceLink. NH SHIP is available to assist with coverage options tailored to your needs at no cost to you.
NH SHIP WILL BEGIN SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS OCT 1st
Call 1-866-634-9412
 Across New Hampshire, older adults and people with physical disabilities receive publicly funded long-term services and supports (LTSS) at home. This allows individuals to access services in the community and reduces strain on care facilities, but there is limited data on how participants feel about the services they receive, and if those services meet their needs. The National Core Indicators – Aging and Disability (NCI-AD TM) survey, an effort by the Bureau of Adult and Aging Services, fills this gap. The standardized survey collects valuable feedback directly from the individuals receiving care.
This year, we will have the chance to hear from 400 Choices for Independence (CFI) participants about their experiences through the NCI-AD Survey. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) has been contracted to conduct the surveys, offering participants flexible options via in-person meetings, telephone calls, or teleconference. Participation is completely voluntary and anonymous, and declining has no impact on current services. Participants can also choose to have a trusted, non-paid support person present during portions of the interview, ensuring everyone can participate.
The data collected through these surveys will have far-reaching benefits for our state. New Hampshire will use this information to strengthen LTSS policy, inform quality improvement activities, and allow New Hampshire to compare its performance with national standards. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued guidance to Money Follows the Person states (including New Hampshire) on requirements regarding the CMS Home and Community Based Services Quality Measure Set. CMS has confirmed that NCI-AD TM will meet the experience-of-care measures being included in the set, placing New Hampshire ahead of the curve on lifting participant’s voices to the forefront of the quality landscape.
For more information, please visit https://nci-nh.org or https://nci-ad.org
 
 A CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Seacoast Dementia Hub began in 2021 with a group of local caregivers who had walked the difficult and often confusing road of supporting a loved one with dementia. They understood what it felt like to search for answers, juggle services, and feel isolated in the process. Out of their shared experience, a vision formed:
What if there were one place to go where caregivers could find guidance, local resources, and emotional support? That vision became the Seacoast Dementia Hub. Because no one should have to navigate dementia alone.
Our mission is simple: to be your trusted guide, connecting you to resources, education, and support tailored to your needs. Whether you’re just beginning to explore what a dementia diagnosis means, or you’ve been on this journey for years, we’re here to help you feel less alone and more empowered.
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