An age-friendly community describes an inclusive, supportive living environment that allows us to thrive as we age. Some key elements of an age-friendly community include an environment that promotes engagement and inclusion, offers safe and affordable housing, and ensures access to services, transportation, nutritious food, and information.
Why It Matters
Many communities are embracing age-friendly planning, yet the barriers to affordable housing, economic security, and access to transportation are significant. Many individuals over the age of 65 rely on Social Security, and a fixed monthly income is not able to absorb skyrocketing housing costs, increasing tax rates, or inflation, leaving more older adults in New Hampshire facing poverty than ever before. Additionally, New Hampshire's limited public transportation leaves individuals unable to drive without access to groceries and medical care.
By the Numbers
36%
Over the last five years, median rent has increased by more than 36%, yet Social Security payments have increased by roughly 20% during the same time period.
New Hampshire Housing
14.4%
The poverty rate among adults 65 years and older in New Hampshire in 2022, an increase from 10.3 percent in 2019.
New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute
75,000
An estimate of the number of nondriving older adults in New Hampshire by 2030.
33
Only 33 of New Hampshire's 244 communities have any public transit services.
Our Impact
The New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging (NHAHA) Advocacy began the work needed to establish an older adult advocacy infrastructure in 2014. NHAHA Advocacy now has monthly advocacy meetings and a statewide email list with over 1,000 members. Since 2019, NHAHA Advocacy has issued 195 email updates, written 36 advocacy articles in New Hampshire State Commission on Aging's Aging Matters, and conducted 12 advocacy trainings.
In 2019, NHAHA Advocacy worked with partners to establish the New Hampshire State Commission on Aging. The Commission on Aging provides policy guidance to the Governor and General Court, convenes targeted task force initiatives, and promotes age-friendly legislative agendas. In 2023, the Commission on Aging initiated a Multi-Sector Plan on Aging to collaboratively address the needs of the state's older-adult population and develop policy solutions to make New Hampshire a better place to age.
