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Older Persons Action Group, Inc., earned honors for its monthly, statewide publication Senior Voice in the 33rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation's finest marketing, communications, educational materials and programs designed and produced for older adults. Entries were judged by a panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall exc...
Social Security works with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security. Operates an impostor website or social media account designed to look like it belongs to or is...
AARP formally intervened in the Chugach Electric Rate Case currently before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska to fight for fair treatment of residential customers. AARP is the only party in this case who is fighting specifically on behalf of residential customers. AARP argued that the way Chugach has proposed to allocate costs and design rates favors commercial customers and significantly shifts costs and higher rate increases to residential customers. Utility bills contribute to overall housing costs, which are already soaring in Anchorage....
In the heart of Alaska, Karen Eddy, the director of Community Services for the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), has dedicated nearly a decade to championing elder justice. A retired educator originally from Sitka, Karen's journey is one marked by a deep commitment to her community and heritage. Her Native name is Sh'tanaax, such an old name it doesn't have a meaning anymore. Karen's ancestral ties are to the Taku River. She embodies a profound respect for cultural traditions and elder...
On a recent Friday a few friends and I gathered at a favorite breakfast place in Anchorage to gossip, discuss the news, exchange views, and eat the salty fatty breakfast versus the healthy one. The question of preserving democracy came up, and that led to a discussion about voting, and that led to reminiscing about being an election worker. I was a little surprised to find out that three or four people around the table had worked as election workers in the past. I never have, but I was thinking...
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program check booklets, available at local senior centers and other agencies, are eligible for use through Oct. 31, 2024. Each booklet includes $40 worth of checks for buying fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands within Alaska. Applicants must be at least 60 years old and meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Links to program information, booklet distribution locations and a downloadable application are at...
As the Alaskan population ages, the mental health of our seniors has become an increasingly important issue to our state. With many older adults facing challenges such as loneliness, chronic illness, and loss of independence, mental health concerns among seniors are more prevalent than ever. In response, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has emerged as a critical resource, offering immediate support for individuals in distress or just looking for more information on how to combat loneliness or depression. Understanding the 988 Lifeline The...
Alerting systems provide notifications of a variety of alerts around your home. There are many different brands of alerting systems available, however, each system has unique transmitters that communicate with the main receiver to provide notifications to the user. There are many transmitters, such as phone calls, doorbells, fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, baby cry sensors, and more. When a notification comes through, the alerting system's receiver will provide flashing and vibrating alerts...
Grapes often get a bad rap as being too sweet or sugary, but they are a nutrient-dense fruit and pack a host of health benefits. Eating grapes can help support brain and heart health. Further, the vitamins and minerals in grapes may provide an immunity boost and more. There are so many health benefits from eating grapes that they are now classified as a "functional food." Grapes are a rich source of bioactive molecules, which contribute to the health benefits. Grape consumption is linked to...
For those of us enrolled into Original Medicare (Parts A and B), most of us have also enrolled into one of Medicare’s Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs). Each year, we may make changes to this prescription coverage during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, for changes which will then go into effect from Jan. 1 onward. Leading up to this Open Enrollment, you will start to receive notices with information relating to any changes in your plan for the com...
As the frequency and intensity of wildfires continue to rise globally, including in places like Alaska, Washington and Canada, so does the threat posed by the smoke they produce. For many, the immediate concerns of wildfires are the destruction of homes, the loss of natural habitats, and the harmful effects on respiratory health. However, recent research highlights an equally alarming risk: the impact of wildfire smoke on brain health, particularly the heightened risk of dementia. At the...
September is an active month for Alaska Health Fair with numerous opportunities to participate in health education and affordable blood and health screenings. We invite you to join our staff at any of these community-based events across various regions of the state, whether you attend to receive services, volunteer to help us serve the public or share a mission by exhibiting. To learn more about these free events and to see the schedule for later this fall, visit our website at www.alaskahealthfair.org. Southcentral Sept. 7 Anchorage St. Johns...
Q: It is getting cooler outside. What should I be doing as winter approaches? A: As temperatures drop and the yellow leaves signal the arrival of autumn, it is time to start prepping for winter by tackling basic household chores. If unable to do these tasks alone, consider contacting neighbors or volunteers for assistance. Though it may only be September, some mountain ranges are already receiving early snowfall. By preparing now, you can alleviate stress when the snow eventually arrives. Tackle...
Watches commonly monitor ‘heart rate variability’ Wearable clothing can measure several aspects of health, including heart rate variability. So, what does it mean if your heart rate variability is high or low? Cardiologist Dr. Elijah Behr with Mayo Clinic Health in London said that oftentimes your watch or wearable device is measuring the balance of nerve activity in the body and the way it relates to your heart rate and blood pressure. The nerve system that heart rate variability relates to...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting its 4th Annual Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This virtual event is designed to provide valuable tools and resources for veterans and their families. Participants can look forward to a variety of sessions, including "VA Benefits for Survivors 101," by the Office of Survivors Assistance, and "Home Modification and Home Fit Guides," by AARP. Additional resources will be available from the VA Office of Community Care and legal services. There will also be a...
The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold the following caregiver support group meetings in September. Meeting format is open discussion unless otherwise noted. Sept. 6 Soldotna Senior Center, joining with the Alzheimer’s Association for presentation, “Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors,” 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 4 Kenai Senior Center, joining with the “Stronger Together” group, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 19 Sterling Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 24 Nikiski Senior Center, 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 26 Tyotkas Elder Center (in Kenai). F...
Caregivers provide for a full scope of tasks throughout the lives of their loved ones. Today we are looking at the challenges of providing safe transportation when caregiving. The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (nadtc.org) offers tips for planning and providing safe and reliable transport for people with disability challenges and Alzheimer’s or dementia related disorders. Whether you are transporting a loved one to an appointment or scheduling rides with a senior center or public transport, here are some important things t...
“Inclusive Aging in Alaska: Thriving and Growing Together,” is the theme for the 10th Annual Alaska Disability and Aging Summit hosted by the Alaska Disability and Aging Coalition, Oct. 8 and 9 in Anchorage. The summit will be hybrid again this year, with attendees joining in on Zoom and in person at the Special Olympics Alaska Jim Balamaci Training Center and Campus at 3200 Mountain View Drive. The goal of the summit is to bring Alaskans together to further discuss the national and state trends regarding the aging population to include ind...
For the last two years, the Age-Friendly Anchorage team-comprised of AARP Alaska volunteers, community partners and Anchorage community leaders-has been collecting input from the community on ideas for actions that would make Anchorage a more age-friendly place to live. While working to collect community input, the Age-Friendly Anchorage team conducted several walk audits to learn more about potential improvements for pedestrian safety in several areas of concern in the city. One of these walk...
If Alaska has taught us anything, especially over the past few years, it's that life throws unexpected curveballs. That's why it's crucial to have a well-stocked pantry, especially in case of emergencies. Let's discuss how to prepare your pantry for unforeseen events and create a manageable plan to build your emergency food supply, but without a huge upfront cost. First, the importance of shelf-stable foods is paramount. These are items that can last for extended periods without refrigeration....
Reverend Doctor Chief Anna Frank is a name synonymous with unwavering dedication to her community. At 82, she continues to inspire and lead, drawing on decades of experience as a health educator, community leader and spiritual guide. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring importance of cultural traditions. Born and raised in Old Minto, Alaska, Anna Frank's journey began in a small village where she was deeply influenced by her aunt, the first...
The "pop" of the lids on the jars as I lifted them out of the pressure cooker was music to my ears. It's always a relief to know that the last of the many steps to "canning" my bone broth is successful. Although if one or two jars don't seal, it really is no big deal. I just use them first or freeze them until needed. Ten pint jars of caribou bone broth stood cooling on the counter in August 2020. Making and canning bone broth is a rather new endeavor for me. Bone broth came to my attention...
As Alaska's brief summer winds down, the daylight hours lessen and the weather is more often blustery and rainy. This change signals the migratory birds who spent the summer in Alaska finding mates, defending territories, building nests, and raising young, to begin their journey south. Migratory birds face many challenges along their route. They may become disoriented by light pollution and collide with the windows of tall buildings. They have to avoid predators when they stop to refuel and...
Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will sponsor a free fall lecture series featuring talks on diverse topics, ranging from Tlingit property law and Indigenous knowledge and art to the history of glacial movements in Southeast Alaska. The lectures will be held at the Walter Soboleff Building in Juneau and live streamed on SHI’s YouTube channel at noon Alaska time. Recordings of the talks will be saved to the institute’s channel immediately after. The lecture series schedule for September: Sept. 4 Our Submerged Past: Exploring Inundated Late Ple...
I'm a fabriholic. I admit it. But I'm not alone. I buy fabric, allegedly to make quilts. But I would have to live to be 300 to use all the fabric I have. And I'm certainly not alone: According to the latest data, there are 22 million quilters in the U.S. and that number is growing by about 4% per year. The average age of a quilter is 63-about 65% are older than 45. And since most of them have been quilting for a while, their fabric collection-known as a "stash"-is now worth nearly $6,000. What...
