November 2024 Edition
November 2024 Edition
A unique program is underway in Fairbanks in which local police officers are learning to make beaver hats from Native elders, while learning about Native traditions and cultures. Hosted by the Interior regional non-profit elder organization Denakkanaaga, the sewing sessions are held over several weeks, with the result being a warm hat the officers can wear while on duty in the winter. Four officers are paired with four elders to make the hats in each session. This is the second round of the...
In a town not much different from the one where they both grew up, orthopedic surgeon and husband Henry Krull alongside his wife, entrepreneur and visionary Mary Krull, have embarked on a mission to bring fresh food, renewable energy and a unique experience to Soldotna, and all of Alaska. Including the talents of their adult children, the Krulls have turned Whistle Hill into a thriving hub for locals and visitors alike, with a combination of innovative farming, dining experiences, local art,...
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military. Veterans Day is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served have protected the freedoms that we enjoy every day. There are more than 11 million adults age 60 and older alive today who have served in the military. Older veterans face a variety of challenges including health, financial and housing...
Senior Voice was recently recognized for excellence, winning eight awards in the annual contest sponsored by the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA), a nationwide network of publishers focusing on boomer and senior readers. Awards were announced Sept. 11, 2024, at the annual NAMPA conference, held virtually online this year. Entries were independently judged by a panel including journalists, proofreaders, librarians and geriatric professionals. Senior Voice entries competed in Division A, for circulations below 25,000. Senior...
Alaska Commission on Aging The Alaska Commission on Aging invites you to join our next teleconference on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. This session will focus on senior centers in Alaska and the unique challenges they face across the state. The goal is to gather insights and develop evidence-based recommendations for the governor, legislature and advocacy groups. We are excited to feature presentations from Pat Branson and Darlene Supplee, followed by breakout sessions for regional discussions. Participants are encouraged to come...
The Social Security Administration continues to partner with locations throughout Alaska to offer secure video service, a convenient and no cost service option that allows people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service is available at these locations: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, 1000 Grek Kruschek. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Kenai Senior...
We are excited to share that most of our local offices now have new American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kiosks. These new kiosks are designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all visitors, particularly those who are blind or have low vision. They have several features and benefits to ensure a seamless check-in process, including: Standardized cabinetry (meeting specific height and width requirements). Audio headphone jack sockets. Integrated braille instructions for how to use the kiosk. Accessible keypads. Built-In...
Interested in learning more about fellow businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., is an opportunity for all the above. Informal, early and free, the event begins at 8 a.m., second Wednesday, at a different host location each month. Breakfast provided. The next date is Nov. 13, hosted by Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Email Older Persons Action Group, Inc. at...
New steps are underway to improve the detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among American Indian and Alaska Native elders. A $11.3 million dollar contract has been awarded to specifically train healthcare providers and support patients’ families in communities that have little access to such specialized care. The program will be led by Dr. Dedra Buchwald, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, and it is funded by the Indian Health Service (IHS). She...
For some individuals, time orientation can be a struggle and lead to frustration and anxiety. Digital calendar clocks clearly display the current time and part of the day, week, date and month without any abbreviations and in high contrast. Many of these devices can set daily alarms, customize reminders shown on the screen, change languages, and adjust brightness. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska), a nonprofit, statewide resource. ATLA does not endorse this...
The long-held tradition of the family gathered around a table for a savory Thanksgiving feast carries fond memories for most. Yet, many will spend the day alone, either out of circumstance or by choice. Whatever the case, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without family. So whether you go it alone or decide to hold a Friendsgiving, follow these tips to make the most of your holiday. Solitary celebrations The upside of spending Thanksgiving alone is that you can celebrate any way you...
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea and have been trying to use a CPAP device for the past six months but can’t tolerate it. Are there any alternative treatment options you can tell me about? – Sleepy Sam Dear Sam: I’m sorry to hear your CPAP mask is keeping you awake at night, but I’m happy to hear that you’re addressing your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) problem. Left untreated, OSA is linked to daytime sleepiness and an increased risk of anxiety, diabetes, hypertension and stroke. For those who aren’t...
November is Diabetes Awareness month. Thanks to our partnership with the State of Alaska Dept. of Health (DOH), Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is making it easier than ever to check your blood sugar levels and learn about diabetes and pre-diabetes at health fairs. Diabetes occurs when your body struggles with insulin production or usage, leading to high blood sugar levels and potential complications. Pre-diabetes is a warning sign that your blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet at diabetes levels. Early detection and intervention can...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in October. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Nov. 1 Soldotna Senior Center support meeting with presentation, “Holiday Dining with Dementia,” by Valerie Flake from Val’s Care Coordination, 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 Kenai Senior Center, “Stronger Together” support group, 2 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai) support meeting, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 21 Sterling Senior Center support meeting,...
Sweepstakes to paradise Win a four-day, three-night luxury all-inclusive vacation at the Sandals resort of your choice. Airfare is not included. Sandals operates resorts in the Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent. Go to https://www.sandals.com/sweepstakes/ to enter. Alaska-Hawaiian airlines merger goes through There are so many questions about how this merger will affect the Alaskan traveler and their Alaska Airlines benefits. The good news is...
