Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 29
When I first started at Senior Voice, I asked my boss how long she’d worked here. She sighed, “Thirteen years.” That was thirty-one years ago. I was straight out of college, coming from a news editor position at UAA’s student newspaper, and in my early 30s. Senior issues were not something I was familiar with. But soon I was neck-deep writing about hospital Certificates of Need, Medicaid spend-down tactics, municipal senior property tax exemptions and other dense but important topics. One of my recollections from those early days is a convers...
Here is a true story. The recorder was on. One day, during the reign of Anchorage Mayor Daniel Sullivan (2009 – 2015, not to be confused with current Senator Dan Sullivan), I was interviewing the mayor for a local newsletter. We were up in his eighth floor office that had a spectacular view of downtown through a number of floor-to-ceiling windows. I asked him for his comment about a University of Alaska study which found that, for several decades, the percentage of business contributions to property taxes had been steadily falling, and the perc...
The concerns we hear about from older Americans and older Alaskans and see in poll results most frequently are worries about retirement income, support for family caregivers, and programs for aging independently at home. AARP Alaska’s top priorities focus on policies that address these concerns. Retirement income security Retirement readiness is good for Alaska and good for Alaskans. Protecting Social Security is a top priority at the federal level, but Social Security is not enough to live on. Increased savings and access to benefits e...
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson's disease, and I'm wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier. -Dog Loving Leah Dear Leah: For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, service dogs can be fantastic help, not to mention they provide great companionship and an invaluable sense of security. But be aware that service dogs can be very expensive...
This portable, lightweight TV amplifier connects to your TV, allowing sound to project wherever you place the speaker. Simply install the receiver base to your TV with included optical and analog cables. Place the receiver on the base for charging, and when you're ready to use it, the receiver has a convenient handle so you can carry it with you, even to another room. Use for up to eight hours before needing to charge. This column is brought to you by ATLA (Assistive Technology of Alaska), a...
The liver is one of the most vital organs in the human body, playing a crucial role in our overall health. Despite its importance, many people are unaware of the liver's functions and how to properly maintain its health. In this article, we'll explore the significance of the liver, common liver issues in the United States, and how you can minimize your risk of developing these problems. The liver is essential The liver is responsible for over 500 essential functions. It acts as a detoxification...
Our Congress wrote legislation which was intended to reinforce the opportunity to enroll into Medicare when first eligible (if a delayed enrollment, such as when you are covered by your employer’s healthcare plan). This was done by adding a ten percent (10%) additional amount to the Part B monthly premium, for each 12-month period without fully enrolled Medicare coverage. Also, for individuals and couples filing jointly who may have greater annual modified adjusted gross incomes, an Income-Relat...
Q: Ice patterns and reduced snowfall in Alaska have created challenges for those who rely on subsistence hunting and gathering. These changes threaten access to fresh water and impact animal migration, leading to hardships for communities that depend on a stable environment. Elders like my grandmother note that shorter seasons and unpredictable ice conditions affect traditional lifestyles. It is crucial to explore ways to preserve these cultural practices. How can we do this? A: You pose an...
At-home urine test for prostate cancer Researchers at Vanderbilt and the University of Michigan are now reporting that they have come up with a simple at-home urine test for prostate cancer screening. Traditional prostate cancer screening with PSA testing and biopsy has been shown to lead to unnecessary procedures and overdiagnosis of low-grade cancers, according to researchers Dr. Jeffrey Tosoian, an assistant professor of Urology and director of Translational Cancer Research at Vanderbilt...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in March. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. March 5 Kenai Senior Center, 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 6 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai), 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 7 Soldotna Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Emergency preparedness training with Valerie Flake. All registered caregivers will go home with a starter “bug out bag”. March 20 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Emergency preparedness training with Valerie Flake. All r...
As the seasons change and we welcome the longer days of spring, many of us take the opportunity to refresh and reorganize our homes. For families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD), this is also a perfect time to evaluate and adapt the living space to ensure it remains safe, comfortable and supportive. A well-organized, dementia-friendly home can reduce stress and confusion while promoting independence for those living with ADRD. Below are some essential tips and modifications to consider during your s...
We're a few months now into the new year. Raise your hand if you made a resolution to get more exercise? Have you kept your promise? By the time you've committed to starting a regular exercise program, you've likely made up your mind that you're ready to do that daily walk, start a strength training routine, or go to more yoga classes. For some folks, developing a new exercise habit is easy. For others, it can be a challenge. For adults over 65 years old, The Center for Disease Control...
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. will offer the following health fairs around the state in March: March 8 Anchorage Moose Lodge Community health fair, 4211 Arctic Blvd., 8 a.m. to noon. March 8 Wasilla FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers, 650 N. Shoreline Drive, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 Salcha Community health fair at Salcha Fire and Rescue Firehouse Bldg., 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 15 Anchorage St. John United Methodist Church, 1801 O’Malley Rd., 8 a.m. to noon March 15 Palmer Depot Community Center, 610 S. Valley Way, 8 a.m. to noon March 18 Fairbanks...
As Mount Spurr shows signs of potential activity, many Alaskans are wondering how to prepare for possible volcanic ashfall while maintaining their daily routines. Understanding how to protect ourselves and our homes during these events is crucial for everyone in our region. Being prepared for volcanic ash will help keep you safe and comfortable if an eruption occurs. Volcanic ash isn't like regular fireplace ash—it's made of tiny, sharp pieces of rock and glass that can hurt your eyes and lungs....
One day last summer, as the dental hygienist walked me to the front desk, she said, "I'm excited to go home and tell my family tonight at the dinner table, that I saw a Walkman in use today." Filling in for my regular hygienist, she said this with a smile, but it still took me a few seconds to realize it was a positive comment. I've been accused of being a "dinosaur" as far as electronic devices go and been told that if I had a smart phone, I wouldn't need my Walkman – a reject left behind by o...
Spring comes to Alaska on the wings of nearly five billion birds, making epic journeys under the protection of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Many will breed and nest within the state's 16 National Wildlife Refuges. Americans didn't always preserve wild birds this way. A century ago, birdwatchers would have spotted species from waxwings to warblers to woodpeckers adorning hats. Bird hats became popular in America in the late 19th century, when mass printing of fashion magazines spread the trend...
For over two decades, Velda Geller has been a cornerstone of the Kenai Senior Center, dedicating her time, energy and heart to improving the lives of seniors in the community. She reminds us just how much you get in return for "giving back." A life of service Her journey with the Kenai Senior Center began nearly 30 years ago around the time she and her husband turned 60. Originally from Kansas, Velda recalls how the senior center became a place of connection and belonging. "When I first came...
As a veteran mental health and addictions counselor in Alaska, you would think Alaskan writer Michael Horton would focus his writing on his work experiences all across the state. Yet the prolific writer has veered far afield to the realms of a series inspired by Biblical characters, a Star Wars themed science fiction series and yes, one novel of Bush teens dealing with life challenges. What comes across in his writings is his close connection to the many people he counseled and his understanding...
The Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898 drew thousands of hopeful prospectors north in search of fortune. While often overshadowed by tales of strong, rugged male adventurers, numerous courageous women also made the arduous journey, carving out unique roles and leaving an indelible mark on this pivotal chapter of North American history. While dancehall girls like the infamous Kate Rockwell – known as Klondike Kate-and prostitutes were indeed part of the Klondike landscape, they represent only a f...
First it was COVID, then a chronic non-life-threatening illness kept Richard Glazier from performing. This year, he returns to the stage where audiences can again experience the pianist seamlessly blending recitals with fascinating personal stories describing friendships with legendary figures in American popular song such as Ira Gershwin. I first encountered the master musician and music storyteller in 2011 during a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. Wandering the decks late one Friday night,...
Retirement is not one-size-fits-all. It can mean different things to different people. Perhaps you have not applied for Social Security retirement benefits because you're still working or are delaying applying so you can get a higher benefit. If you’re age 70 or older, you should apply now for the benefits you’re owed. Your benefits will not increase if you continue to delay applying for them because you are 70 or older. Did you know that you can receive benefits even if you still work? Your earnings can increase your monthly benefit amo...
A friend of mine was recently scammed in downtown Anchorage. While parking in a downtown lot, he used the QR code on the sign in the lot to pay his fee. He was in a hurry, so he didn’t notice that the code took him to a fake website. Scammers had pasted an impostor QR code on top of the authentic parking authority sticker. I wasn’t even aware of QR code scams until I heard his story. My friend caught the scam but spent significant time contacting his bank and taking steps to protect his finances and his identity. QR (quick response) codes are...
Do you need help with a basic tax return? AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are IRS-certified to provide free tax help to low- to middle-income Alaskans of all ages at sites across the state. You do not need to be an AARP member. To locate the nearest Tax-Aide site, you can use the online AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator or call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service of United Way that helps Alaskans find the assistance they need. Everyone who requests tax help at a...
A recent study on estate planning asked people, specifically those who did not have anything in place, what would motivate them to get that done. A full 24% said that nothing would motivate them. They simply had no expectation of doing it, ever. The rest of them would probably move forward, if they had some reason to think they were in imminent danger of dying. I think back to when the pandemic started. The first few weeks I focused on figuring out how to get things done when I couldn’t have c...
Q. I want to FaceTime with my mom and sister, but not all of us have iPhones. Is there a way people on Android or other phones can join a FaceTime call? A. Yes! Both Android and Windows users can join a FaceTime call. This may require extra patience on your part to set up because the configurations are not automatic on non-Apple devices. You will need to make sure the other devices are new enough to support FaceTime calls, and the recipient may have to set some permissions to enable the microphone in the browser. Carefully following the...
