Age of Champions

The 2023 Age of Champions Health & Wellness Fair was a huge success!

Visit our Facebook page to see all the photos from the event!

graphic of the Age of Champions tagline

The Age of Champions Health & Wellness Fair is a community-oriented intergenerational wellness event,  made possible by the Center of Aging and Community Living (CACL) in partnership with UNH and several vendors and sponsors from throughout the New England region. The event provides high-impact, real-world experience for UNH students about to head out to the workforce and introduces the community to informational resources, organizations that serve older adults, demonstrations, and workshops to engage participants in the joy of healthy aging.

Photos from the Age of Champions Health & Wellness Fair

 

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VEndors

Sponsors

Awardees

Demonstrations

Opening Ceremonies

UNH Student Involvement

Marketing Toolkit

Book Recommendations

crowd at the Age of Champions event

 

Previous Events

Photo of Carol

Carol Selsberg

Carol is intelligent, creative, and energetic. Combine this with the creative wit and timing of a seasoned humorist and you have just a snapshot of the dynamic individual that is Carol. Raised in Stamford, CT, she graduated from the University of Connecticut with graduate work at U. of Hartford and U. of Bridgeport. Carol has written, directed, and choreographed over 20 original fund-raising musicals for civic organizations. She also wrote a number of features for Connecticut Magazine along with newspaper press releases and feature stories. An accomplished speaker, Carol has served as president and board member of various volunteer and civic organizations. In 2015, Carol participated in the UNH Women’s Studies multigenerational leadership program and served as a role model for UNH students. As a result of her multitude of achievements, she has been recognized with several awards for her leadership efforts, service, writing excellence, and volunteer work. Most recently, Carol served as Program Director for the Active Retirement Association (ARA) of the Seacoast.

This year’s Age of Champions Health and Wellness Fair is dedicated to our colleague, mentor, and friend, Allison Wilder.

Photo of Allison Wilder

Almost 11 years ago, the Center on Aging and Community Living was created. At its inception, we knew that CACL needed a faculty member on the leadership team. As if by magic, Dr. Allison Wilder appeared, bringing her vision, passion, and heart to CACL. 

Ten years ago, CACL sponsored our first Age of Champions (AoC) event, a modest event -- the viewing of the AoC movie with a panel of older adults discussing the many ways they are champions of healthy aging. Allison was the ringleader for this event and her vision has led us to grow this into what is now-- a full-on intergenerational health and wellness fair with students booths, community vendors, demonstrations (live and now, virtual), and inspirational awards. 

Soon, Allison will be starting the next chapter of her life stepping away from the role of professor and into the role of retiree. We would not be hosting our 9th AoC health and wellness fair without Allison’s vision and passion. Allison always has her arms wide open bringing everyone along with her on this fabulous journey. She will be missed by all of us. 

Monday April 18

Tuesday April 19

Wednesday April 20

Thursday April 21

NH Nutrition Students

UNH Recreation Management & Policy Students

UNH Communication Sciences and Disorders Graduate Students

  • Age Related Swallowing Changes
    With Communication Sciences and Disorders students, Madelyn Dunn, Kelly Marinick, Sabrina Salmela, Emma Graham, and Kaitlyn O'Connor

ATinNH

UNH Occupational Therapy Students

Cornerstone VNA

AARP NH (Sustaining Sponsor)

AARP Mission: To enpower people to choose how they live as they age. AARP is a non-profit, nonpartisan, social mission organization with a membership, focused on advocacy, education and outreach to the 50+ community.

Resources

Active Retirement Association (ARA) (Annual Sponsor)

Expanding Your World Since 1982, the Active Retirement Association has provided educational and cultural programming in the Seacoast area and beyond. The association is an outreach function of the University of New Hampshire and is financed entirely by the membership and managed through an elected board of directors. The ARA aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals who wish to keep intellectually alert, broaden their interests, explore new fields of knowledge, and make new friends. Members are encouraged to use their talents and experiences as program leaders, panelists, organizers, officers and committee members. ARA is open to those 50 and up, retired or not.

Resources

Alzheimer's Association (Annual Sponsor)

The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals who recognized the need for an organization that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s and advance research into the disease.

Jerome H. Stone, a true visionary in the Alzheimer’s movement, was our founding president. When his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, information about Alzheimer’s — even among the medical community — was limited. With drive and determination, Mr. Stone took a disease that was cloaked in silence and helped to create a global conversation. 

Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We are the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Resources

American House (Sustaining Sponsor)

American House, formerly Bentley Commons, offers independent and assisted living apartments, with the vision of providing high quality living for seniors at a price affordable for retirees and families. In 1899, John P. Rust purchased the historic mill building and it became the headquarters for his wooden pail factory. In October 2008, the mill complex was renovated into a senior living community, and in 2018 became American House Keene.

Resources

ATinNH

Assistive Technology in New Hampshire, or ATinNH, is New Hampshire’s statewide Assistive Technology Act Program. We are focused on three primary goals: - the expansion of access to demonstrations and loans of assistive technology throughout the state of New Hampshire - an increase in the reuse of assistive technology equipment - the provision of excellent training and educational opportunities in the Assistive Technology field.

Resources

Bellamy and Watson Fields (Sustaining Sponsor)

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Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL)

The Center on Aging and Community Living (CACL) is a collaboration between the Institute on Disability (IOD) and the Institute for Health Policy and Practice (IHPP) at the University of New Hampshire. CACL constructively engages partners within and outside the University in applied research that advances sustainable, person-centered options for aging and community living. CACL supports system change through an interdisciplinary approach to scholarship, advocacy, evaluation, and the development and dissemination of tools and skills that innovate and improve social models for consumer-driven services and supports.

Resources

Community Health Institute/JSI (Annual Sponsor)

The Community Health Institute/JSI is a Public Health Partner in identifying community needs, planning and implementing effective responses, andevaluating the impact on our communities.

Resources

Cornerstone VNA

Local visionary and philanthropist, Norma Snow, founded Cornerstone VNA (CVNA) in 1913 to provide medical care to local community members in the comfort of their home. More than a century later, Norma's extraordinary vision thrives as CVNA continues to provide high quality care at home, offering a wide range of programs and services to meet the needs of patients and their families. Our team provides award-winning care and support through five distinct programs: Home Care, Hospice Care, Palliative Care, Life Care – Private Duty and Community Care. We are committed to bringing health services to people of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay, so that families can stay together at home, even when facing the challenges of aging, surgical recovery, chronic or life-threatening illnesses or end of life care. Our team, which includes 170 clinical and professional staff, provides care to patients across forty-three towns in New Hampshire and Maine, working closely with our local health care providers to ensure high quality and continuity of care. Thanks to our focus and investment in the professional development of our staff, our highly skilled team can address the complex needs of our patients wherever they call home and work in collaboration with our health care partners to achieve positive outcomes. Many of our clinicians are certified in Wound, Ostomy and Incontinence Care, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, Lymphedema, Diabetes Management and Education, Intravenous Therapy, Balance Therapy and Falls Prevention, Palliative Care, Maternal Wellness, and Behavioral Health.

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Dover Community Senior Center

We’re not Senior Citizens, we’re Recycled Teenagers!  The Dover Community Senior Center brings together members representing Dover and the surrounding towns for fun, friendship, fitness, travel and lifelong learning.  Adults who are 50+ join us to participate in all kinds of games, activities, Chair Yoga, Tai Chi, Book Club, German class, Ukulele Band, and over 30 travel opportunities per year from local to overseas, plus much more!  Remember, growing older is mandatory, but growing UP is optional! 

Resources

Future in Sight

Future In Sight is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to transforming the lives of those who are blind, visually impaired, and their families. We provide a range of services in education, rehabilitation, and social services to infants and toddlers, children (3-21,) adults, and seniors. We also partner with medical and eye professionals, healthcare facilities, social service organizations, and state agencies, including the Department of Education and Department of Rehabilitation Services. If you or someone you know are blind or visually impaired and needs help dealing with vision loss or impairment issues, this is a good place to start. Future In Sight staff can help guide you to available resources and services that help individuals with vision loss increase independence, safety and quality of life.

Resources

Granite State Independent Living

GSIL is a statewide nonprofit empowering people with disabilities to live their best lives. We serve over 1500 consumers of all ages, through 17 consumer directed programs and services. To name a few - workforce training, education, transportation and attendant care. Consumers are in charge. That's what makes us unique. We fill the gaps, turning challenges into opportunities, so everyone can live their best life.

Resources

Hearing Assistive Technology/DHHS

Technology, Tools, and Resources for Equitable Access: Communication Access and Alerting Devices for Environmental Sounds

Resources

Humana (Sustaining Sponsor)

At Humana, our focus is on supporting your total health with benefits and extras designed to help you live your best life. It’s not just healthcare—it’s human care.

Resources

Lamprey Health Care

Lamprey Health Care is a non-profit community health center providing healthcare services to individuals of all ages regardless of ability to pay. We offer primary care including prenatal and obstetrical care, integrated behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment (MAT), diabetes education, care coordination, medication assistance, and assistance with NH Medicaid and Health Care Market Place applications. Lab services, radiology, and physical and occupational therapy are available onsite.

Resources

Langdon Place of Dover

Langdon Place of Dover is a continuum of care community featuring multiple models of care to meet the changing needs of patients and residents as they age under one roof. 

In our skilled nursing facility, we offer post-hospital, short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term and respite care.  We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurances. Our staff is dedicated to serving the medical and rehabilitation needs of individuals recovering from an illness or injury. 

In our senior living facility, we offer three tiers of residential living (equivalent of independent living), assisted/senior living and memory care. Many residents start out in our residential living then can add services as care needs change and health issues arise. You can change levels of care in assisted/senior living as you age in place or go from residential living to assisted living, but you don’t need to change apartments.  Our Memory Support Unit provides a safe and secure environment for those residents who have a diagnosis of dementia or early Alzheimer’s Disease. The staff in this 2- bed unit are specially trained in dementia care.

Langdon Place of Dover is an AHCA Bronze Quality Award winner and a WE HONOR VETERANS community partner!

Resources

Life Forest

We invite you to grow a beautiful living memorial.

At Life Forest®, your loved one’s remains are interred with the planting of a tree so that your loved one joins the tree in a living memorial within a peaceful vibrant forest.

We believe that creating a positive surrounding is the foundation of healing. Life Forest offers a beautiful sanctuary for mourning, celebrating life, and connecting with the boundless energy of nature. Life Forest provides private burial plots for cremated and composted remains, replacing headstones with trees, allowing you to grow a beautiful living memorial within a peaceful vibrant memory forest. Each woodland burial plot is marked by one of our carefully selected memorial trees, under which we bury the ashes of your loved one. Burial plot locations are recorded by exact GPS coordinates so that friends, family, and future generations can always visit your memorial tree.

Resources

NAMI New Hampshire

NAMI New Hampshire is a grassroots organization working to improve the quality of life for all by providing support, education and advocacy for people affected by mental illness and suicide.

Resources

NH Care Collaborative (Annual Sponsor)

The New Hampshire Care Collaborative (NHCC) is dedicated to providing information, resources, training and service coordination to help individuals and families in ways that identify strengths, reduce duplication of effort, and relieve stress and anxiety.

Resources

Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services

Established in 2001, Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the New Hampshire Deaf and Hard of Hearing community through empowerment, education, and advocacy for equal access and opportunity. Our Communication Technology and Relay Specialist, Jules Good, can help you find and use tech and services that make communication easier, both in person and over the phone!

Resources

Senior Companion Program

We provide weekly in home companionship, transportation (to/from appointments, grocery shopping, social outings, etc.) to home bound seniors and respite to caregivers. We serve the entire state of NH. Our services are free of charge!

Resources

ServiceLink Network (Annual Sponsor)

ServiceLink is the Aging and Disability Resource Center for New Hampshire.

We are certified community resource specialists who provide options counseling to help people find and coordinate community resources based on their needs: like home care, health insurance, food, and housing.

We specialize in helping older adults, people with disabilities and their families, access long-term supports and services to live as independently as possible.

Resources

Silverthorne Adult Day Center

Annually, Silverthorne provides services for nearly seventy-five physically or cognitively impaired, individuals who are unable to perform activities of daily living (i.e. toileting, eating, taking medication) independently, along with their families. With advances in medical treatment enabling individuals particularly with dementia- to live longer, the demand for affordable, community-based care services is on the increase. Our programs are tailored to aging adults who would benefit from personalized assistance and engaging activities during the day. We offer group exercise, health monitoring, nutritious meals and snacks, as well as personal care. The latest and most promising research suggests the use of adult day medical programs may result in lower rates of hospitalizations and fewer emergency visits.

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Tri-State Learning Collaboration on Aging (TSLCA)

The Tri-State Learning Collaborative on Aging (TSLCA) is a shared learning collaborative on aging hosted by the Maine Council on Aging (MCOA) and supported by foundations and organizations in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Our small, rural towns are rapidly aging, geographically isolated, and lack critical resources. The TSLCA seeks out initiatives in the region that support healthy aging in rural communities and shares successful collaborative models through our offerings. Created in 2015, we provide free, credible, and relevant educational programming to people in Northern New England. We are a trusted source of quality information and learning for over 3,000 people across the region. The TSLCA is the educational arm of the MCOA.

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UNH Cooperative Extension

Since 1915, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension (UNH Extension) has improved people's lives by providing research-based information and non-formal education programs on topics important to the state.

Through partnerships with county governments, UNH Extension offices staffed by specialists, educators, support personnel and volunteers are located in each of the state's 10 counties.

UNH Extension works in five broad topic areas: Youth Development & Education, Health & Well-being, Community and Economic Development, Natural Resources and Food and Agriculture.  

By working in collaboration with county, state and federal governments, UNH Extension is at work in every New Hampshire county, making the state’s key industries stronger, developing vibrant communities and municipal leaders, fostering healthy families and an informed and engaged citizenry, and keeping the state’s natural resources healthy and productive.

Resources

UNH Department of Recreation Management & Policy (Sustaining Sponsor)

More Information and Resources Coming Soon!

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UNH Nutrition Program

Resources

UNH Occupational Therapy Department

Resources

Sustaining Sponsors

Age of Champions Sustaining Sponsors logos

AARP

AARP MISSION: TO EMPOWER PEOPLE TO CHOOSE HOW THEY LIVE AS THEY AGE.
AARP is a non-profit, nonpartisan, social mission organization with a membership, focused on advocacy, education and outreach to the 50+ community.

American House
American House, formerly Bentley Commons, offers independent and assisted living apartments, with the vision of providing high quality living for seniors at a price affordable for retirees and families. In 1899, John P. Rust purchased the historic mill building and it became the headquarters for his wooden pail factory. In October 2008, the mill complex was renovated into a senior living community, and in 2018 became American House Keene.

Bellamy and Watson Fields
 

Humana
At Humana, our focus is on supporting your total health with benefits and extras designed to help you live your best life. It’s not just healthcare—it’s human care.

UNH Department of Recreation Management & Policy
As the fabric of life in contemporary society grows in complexity, people are increasingly turning to leisure and recreation services to find meaning, renewal, and enrichment. Recreation services can improve public health and wellness, promote sustainable environments, develop a sense of community, and enhance the quality of life of all citizens. Recreation professionals work in diverse settings, including human services, health care, natural recreation resource areas such as parks, wilderness programs, and commercial recreation businesses. Population and economic projections suggest that recreation service industries will continue to expand and thereby continue to provide numerous professional career opportunities.

The RMP degree prepares undergraduate and graduate students for rewarding careers in a variety of settings in the recreation and leisure services industry. Students pursuing the B.S. degree study in one of three program options: Therapeutic Recreation, Program & Event Management, or Outdoor Leadership & Management. Students pursuing the M.S. degree study in one of three program options: Therapeutic Recreation Administration, Recreation

Annual Sponsors

2022 Age of Champions Annual Sponsors logos

Active Retirement Association (ARA)
Expanding Your World Since 1982, the Active Retirement Association has provided educational and cultural programming in the Seacoast area and beyond. The association is an outreach function of the University of New Hampshire and is financed entirely by the membership and managed through an elected board of directors. The ARA aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals who wish to keep intellectually alert, broaden their interests, explore new fields of knowledge, and make new friends. Members are encouraged to use their talents and experiences as program leaders, panelists, organizers, officers and committee members. ARA is open to those 50 and up, retired or not.

Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer’s Association was founded in 1980 by a group of family caregivers and individuals who recognized the need for an organization that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s and advance research into the disease. Jerome H. Stone, a true visionary in the Alzheimer’s movement, was our founding president. When his wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, information about Alzheimer’s — even among the medical community — was limited. With drive and determination, Mr. Stone took a disease that was cloaked in silence and helped to create a global conversation.  Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We are the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Community Health Institute/JSI
The Community Health Institute/JSI is a Public Health Partner in identifying community needs, planning and implementing effective responses, andevaluating the impact on our communities.

NH Care Collaborative
The New Hampshire Care Collaborative (NHCC) is dedicated to providing information, resources, training and service coordination to help individuals and families in ways that identify strengths, reduce duplication of effort, and relieve stress and anxiety.

ServiceLink Network
ServiceLink is the Aging and Disability Resource Center for New Hampshire. We are certified community resource specialists who provide options counseling to help people find and coordinate community resources based on their needs: like home care, health insurance, food, and housing. We specialize in helping older adults, people with disabilities and their families, access long-term supports and services to live as independently as possible.

Age of Champions 2022 Daily Agenda
Age of Champions 2022 Daily Agenda