A State Growing Older
New Hampshire faces some challenges as it ranks as the second highest median age in the nation (after Maine), with approximately 20% of the population over the age of 60. NH (New Hampshire) is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of older adults (expected to double over the next 20 years).
More than 1 in 4 adults (28.8%) in NH suffer from depression, and 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in their life. Relatedly, a third of adults over the age of 45 feel lonely, and 25% of adults aged 65 and over report being socially isolated. Social isolation is associated with increased risk for dementia, heart disease, and stroke. Loneliness is associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and increased risk of death, hospitalization, and ED visits.
Focusing on building aging friendly communities and helping individuals achieve optimal health and well-being are priorities.
These rates highlight the necessity to address Aging WELL at the individual, family, and community levels.
Infographic provided by permission by HealthyAgingDataReports.org
Programs
A wellness wheel assessment can help individuals identify core health values and goals. Taking inventory and identifying where you currently are in your wellness journey enhances overall well-being. An effective way to start is by engaging in the online interactive assessment that focuses on 8 dimensions of wellness. The results will help guide you towards your own personal well-being action plan. Learn more
Welcome to Boost Your Brain & Memory. Developed by Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging, this evidence-based program is designed to help you learn and practice the most promising strategies for keeping your brain healthy as you age. This program uses a unique, whole-person approach to brain fitness, providing you with healthy practices that can help you remember things better, be more organized, pay closer attention, and reduce your stress—as well as reduce your risk of dementia. A multi-faceted brain health program that goes beyond simple brain games focusing on lifestyle factors that impact brain health, and memory strategies that participants can implement in their daily lives. Mind Games is a follow-up social online or in person forum to meet and commune with fellow participants and practice memory strategies, nutrition and movement in a safe environment. Learn More
Living and coping with a chronic condition and/or chronic pain can be incredibly challenging. We offer evidence-based self-management programs designed to give you the skills, tools and confidence you need to help take control of your chronic condition(s) and live life to the fullest. Caregivers and loved ones of those who manage chronic conditions or pain are also encouraged to participate. Learn More
Walk With Ease, a free program of the Arthritis Foundation, is for anyone looking to begin or increase their movement or physical activity. Over the course of 6 weeks, you will be provided with interactive lesson videos, a free guidebook, weekly virtual meetings, and resources to help guide your self-directed walking program. This program is proven to reduce pain and discomfort of arthritis, increase balance, strength and walking pace, and improve overall health. LEARN MORE
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Featured
Prolonged Social Isolation and Loneliness are Equivalent to Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day
Before the pandemic, one in four people older than age 65 experienced social isolation, putting them at a greater risk of loneliness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. These feelings of loneliness were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The exact number of seniors who feel lonely is difficult to pinpoint, but a University of Michigan poll found 56% of adults ages 50 to 80 reported feelings of isolation in June 2020. Though the survey included respondents below the senior age range, it demonstrates a stark contrast to reported feelings of loneliness in 2018, when 27% of respondents reported feelings of isolation. Read More
Articles from Our Health and Well-Being Team
