NH’s aging population presents challenges, opportunities

Increases in life expectancy are changing the way people live and work, especially in New Hampshire, which has one of the oldest populations in the country.Is an aging population a challenge, an opportunity or both? “Often when people talk about this changing and shifting demographic – our population is getting older – it’s often referenced with fear,” said Jennifer Rabalais, co-director of the Center on Aging and Community Living at the University of New Hampshire.Rabalais said an aging population is an adjustment, so research is underway on how the state should move forward.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“Fifty, 100 years ago, back when lifespans were far shorter, people were living only into their 50s and early 60s at this point,” she said. “One of the challenges is we really need to rethink our structures and supports that support older adults.””As a whole, our population is undergoing a permanent demographic shift,” said Lily Wellington, executive director of the New Hampshire Commission on Aging. “We are living longer and longer lifespans, and by the year 2030, there will be more individuals in New Hampshire that are 65 and above than children.”According to the 2025 New Hampshire Healthy Aging Data Report, more than 26% of people in 244 communities are older than 60. The report shows that 19% are 65 or older.”We know that New Hampshire is a phenomenal place to grow older,” Wellington said. “What is going to make that an even better experience for our citizens?”The state is working on more resources. Officials are in the research phase for projects centered around housing, transportation, health care and more.”It’s really an opportunity,” Wellington said. “We’re living longer, we’re working longer, and we are living healthier lives.”

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