Lily Wellington, executive director of the state Commission on Aging, and Laurie Duff, the commission’s state chair, presented the commission’s annual report and executive summary on Nov. 21.

Wellington said the commission, formed in 2019, is advising the General Court and the governor on aging policy and developing Age Well NH, a five-phase multi-sector plan. The commission is wrapping up a community engagement phase and plans a needs-assessment survey to inform a state plan on Alzheimer's and aging supports.

Key priorities: the report emphasizes three pillars—independence, wellness and care—and highlights transportation, housing and changing health needs as top community concerns. The commission noted demographic change: New Hampshire has among the highest shares of residents aged 65 and older and is one of the states where the 65+ cohort outnumbers children; the report said 90% of older adults surveyed said elected officials should prioritize aging planning.

Workforce and systems: the commission recommended actions to grow the direct-care workforce, strengthen systems of care (including an advisory council kickoff), and replicate community programs such as community nursing and mobile integrated health care. The commission also recommended embedding brain-health materials into state prevention programs and continuing collaboration with partners including the Alzheimer’s Association and the Commission on Aging.

What’s next: the commission will finalize a needs-assessment and issue full findings in April 2026 and continue to work with DHHS and local partners to advance pilot projects and workforce strategies.