New Hampshire is aging faster than nearly every other state in the country — and that shift is reshaping everything from our housing market to our workforce. In the latest episode of New Hampshire Uncharted, host Gene Martin sits down with three experts to unpack what the Granite State’s aging population means for communities, caregivers, businesses, and policy. 

Joining the conversation: 

• Lily Wellington, Executive Director, NH State Commission on Aging 

• Christina Fitzpatrick, State Director, AARP New Hampshire 

• Jessica Williams, Policy Analyst, NH Fiscal Policy Institute 

“New Hampshire is one of the oldest states in the country” 

As NHFPI’s Jessica Williams explains, “As of the most recent data from 2024, nearly 22% of New Hampshire’s population, or more than one in five residents, is over the age of 65.” And that number is only expected to grow with projections showing older adults will make up 27% of the state’s population by 2050. 

“It’s clear that New Hampshire’s population is aging quickly, and this demographic shift will, of course, have several implications for New Hampshire,” said Williams. 

Reframing Aging: Not a Burden — an Opportunity 

Rather than framing New Hampshire’s aging population as a problem, panelists urged listeners to see it as a chance to innovate. 

“We need to stop thinking of aging as a burden and start seeing it as an opportunity,” said Lily Wellington. 

Older adults in New Hampshire are healthier than often assumed. “At any given time, 90% of folks who are 65 and older are living without assistance,” Wellington noted. “We need to think more about the 90%.” 

Aging in Place and Housing That Works for Everyone 

Most older adults want to remain in their homes and communities as they age. But as Christina Fitzpatrick notes, that’s often easier said than done.  

“Only 20% of houses in the state are age ready,” she said, referencing a lack of homes with no-step entries, first-floor bedrooms, and full bathrooms, especially in older housing stock. 

That has real consequences.  

“Everybody would rather stay at home… and it makes financial sense to give people what they want,” she said. “Aging in place costs a lot less than nursing home care.” 

Caregiving and Workforce Impacts 

More than 4,000 Granite Staters are out of the labor force because they are caring for an older adult, according to Census data from 2024.  

“Many more likely reduced hours or cut back on work to manage some of those increased unpaid caregiving responsibilities,” said Williams. 

There are also severe shortages in the paid caregiving workforce.  

“There are more beds in nursing homes… but not enough workers to safely accommodate more patients,” Fitzpatrick explained. “It’s a hard job… and even though we’re not paying them much, it’s still hard for families to absorb those costs.” 

Wellington added: “It would be really wise if we could invest in some public policy that would support family caregivers. They are kind of the first line of defense.” 

What’s Working in New Hampshire and Beyond 

Some communities are already getting creative. Wellington highlighted community nursing programs like the one in Sandwich, NH: “For $30,000 a year, you can have a part-time nurse embedded in your community that goes and does home visits… It’s equal parts prevention as it is intervention.” 

What Provides Hope 

Each guest closed by reflecting on what gives them hope as New Hampshire adapts to this demographic shift. 

• “This issue is finally starting to get more attention and recognition,” said Williams. “We’re seeing a lot more momentum from service providers and policy makers.”

• “There’s so much volunteer work here in New Hampshire,” added Fitzpatrick. “That level of personal commitment is what’s going to see us through.”

• “There are really promising signs…we want everyone to have a positive experience as they age in New Hampshire,” Wellington concluded. “There are things that we can do from a local level, whether it’s town policy or statewide, that can make that possible.” 

Preparing for an aging population isn’t optional, it’s essential to New Hampshire’s future. But as our guests make clear, this demographic shift is not just a challenge. It’s an opportunity to build communities, systems, and policies that work better for all of us, no matter our age.