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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. We work to make that happen through legislative advocacy, supporting policies that benefit the age 50+ community, opposing those that don't, and working alongside our partners to ensure issues related to aging in Alaska are top of mind when drafting new legislation. AARP is offering three opportunities for you to help make Alaska a place where we can all choose how we live as we age. - Become an e-activist - Volunteer as an AARP legislative...
Q. Someone I know appears to be mentally stressed or troubled. It raises the questions: When should I become concerned? How should I respond to any unusual mannerisms they may exhibit? A. If someone shows signs of mental stress or angst, pay close attention to any significant changes in their behavior. Should their actions become extreme, reach out to a healthcare provider or seek professional guidance promptly. In cases where you believe the individual may pose a risk to themselves or others,...
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, I encourage you to review and, if needed, change your Prescription Drug Plan under Part D coverage. Changes you elect will become effective on Jan. 1. Certified Medicare counselors across Alaska can help you as part of the Medicare Information Office’s network of program Ambassadors, including through your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Give us a call, we would be glad to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and even complete t...
By CHRISTIAN M. HARTLEY Let's use Fire Prevention Month to talk about something very important: Fire safety for those of us who might have trouble moving around quickly. Whether you use a wheelchair, a walker, or just find it harder to get around these days, it's crucial to have a good plan for getting out of your home if there's a fire or carbon monoxide leak. First, let's discuss making your home safer. Inspect around your home or apartment. Are there things in the way that could trip you up...
Called the Spanish flu, only because the Spanish press wrote about it, a virus took more than 500,000 American lives between 1918 and 1919 (estimates worldwide range from 20 to 100 million). And it came north, even though Territorial Gov. Thomas Riggs did everything in his power to keep it away from Alaska's shores. When 75 citizens of Seattle died from the flu during the week of Oct. 12, Riggs asked steamship companies to examine all passengers heading north on the final ships of the season...
It's been 14 years since 85-year-old screen legend Tony Curtis died at his Nevada home on Sept. 29, 2010. The much-loved actor left behind a body of work that included over 150 television and movie roles in such classics as "The Defiant Ones," "Some Like it Hot," and "The Sweet Smell of Success." Curtis remarried for the last time in 1998 and his new bride, Jill Vandenberg, was some 40 years his junior. The pair became inseparable, traveling the world together. But back in Nevada, the couple...
Do you remember the Little Rascals? I'm not talking about the old black-and-white films from the 1920s and 30s, although some of you might remember those. I mean the wonderful 1994 movie based on those old “Spanky and Our Gang” films. If you haven't seen it, it is a marvelous movie, quite funny and very much family-friendly. There is a scene in the movie, in which one of the characters says “what's yours is mine, and what's mine is ours”. That gives me a chuckle, or at least a wry grin, every ti...
Q. I need help deciding which cellphone to buy. What do you recommend? A. If you have a tech-oriented friend, get the model they suggest. Just make sure they are willing to help you when you need it. If I assume you don’t have a friend like that, here is my take: I purchased my first cell phone in 1989. I have owned or tested countless different cellular phones. As a daily user of cellphones for 35 years, I have strong opinions. The very best phones available at any price are made by Apple. Any Apple phone is a good choice, so making your c...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
While the First Continental Congress presented its Declaration of Rights and Grievances to King George III in 1774, the Spanish government ordered Juan José Pérez to explore the west coast of America to latitude 60 degrees, "but not to disturb the Russians." The Russians were already in Alaska. Emilian Bassov, a sergeant of the military company of lower Kamchatka, and Andrei Serebrennikov, a merchant from Moscow, had formed a partnership in 1743 to hunt for sea otter along the Aleutian Chain. I...
With a catchy melody, simple lyrics, and an unforgettable repetitive chorus, Peggy March's "I Will Follow Him," possessed all the ingredients to create a classic 60s hit. And it did. Released in early 1963 and showcasing the singer's impressively mature 14-year-old vocals, Little Peggy March's song soared up the Billboard Hot 100 chart in just three months to reach the Number 1 spot. Since then, she's performed the song thousands of times and today remains especially popular in Europe. "I was...
Do you remember the big earthquake? No, not the big, big earthquake in 1964. I’m talking about the fairly big earthquake of November 2018. The ’64 Good Friday Quake was a 9.2. The Point McKenzie quake six years ago was only a 7.1. Still, enough to shake a lot of people up, including yours truly. One important lesson the architects and engineers learned over the years was the importance of flex. At this point I had better pause to note that for younger readers, the word “flex” has a differe...
Q. How do I move my mobile phone voicemail messages to some kind of permanent storage? A. Mobile phones have become the most personal computing device in our lives. That makes them a treasure box of cherished memories. Precious voicemails are simple to keep—do not delete from the inbox. But that approach is fragile. If you switch carriers, they will almost certainly be lost. Inboxes have limited space, and if you save too many messages, messages have to be deleted to allow future calls. Fixing “mailbox full” messages can lead to accid...
Like many households, mine does a lot of shopping via mail. So when a text message from the postal service appeared on my smartphone, alerting me that a package was being held due to “incomplete address information” and would be returned if I didn’t act within 12 hours, I promptly poised my finger to click on the link. But then I stopped. Since when does the USPS send me text messages? And I’ve read that spam text messages are so potent now that simply clicking a link can open your device’s door to theft. Suspicious but curious, I visited t...
It’s essential for everyone aged 18 and above to have a will, an advanced health care directive, and a durable power of attorney in place. However, many people haven’t done this yet. The reason could be our natural discomfort when it comes to discussing topics like death or the potential loss of our ability to sign legal documents. As we grow older, these conversations become increasingly important. If you’re assisting a friend or family member, it’s crucial to ensure that they have all the necessary paperwork completed. Remember, these d...
Sure, it's just an ordinary asphalt parking lot, but it's the one by the gas station at the Girdwood turnoff. People in the Lower 48 loot their retirement security to make a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Alaska to see the view along there-the Turnagain Arm surrounded by towering snowy mountains. I didn't notice any of it. I was focused on using the bathroom. But first I had to get there. Step one was getting out of the car. And to do that I had to bend my knee. The pain was excruciating....
It’s almost back-to-school time and those runny nosed kids are going to be bringing bad bugs home. Here are four tips for keeping your immune system strong. To bolster your immune system, start with the basics, as always: Stay well- hydrated, keep a regular schedule that allows for eight hours of sleep each night, and eat a healthy diet. If you want to occasionally have a treat, that’s fine. Just don’t make a regular habit of sugary, fried or processed foods. Then try the following detox program to flush out your system and jump-start your...
As Americans and as Alaskans, we share in the health care program costs of our Medicare, both through our federal income taxes and through the cost sharing paid by individuals enrolled into Medicare. But for some Alaskans with low income and low assets, these costs can be a significant part of the monthly budget – there are programs which can help save you money. In this month’s article, I will introduce the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which can help with the bills for Original Medicare (as...
Q: As I reflect on the discussions surrounding "old age" that have been circulating lately, I find myself contemplating the challenges that come with aging. While I may not process information as quickly or move with the same agility as a younger person, I wonder: How can these issues be turned into positive experiences? A: The fourth century, BC Phoenician merchant Zeno once said after his ship hit a rock and lost all his cargo, “I made a prosperous voyage when I suffered shipwreck.” This anc...
Staying healthy at 35,000 feet If you are planning on flying and debating whether to wear a mask, it is best to know the facts. Infectious disease expert Dr. Clark Abraham, who is with the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, said some people may be surprised about the risk of germ spread on most airplanes. “Commercial airplanes contain high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter systems, which exchange the air rapidly. In general, the risk of spreading an a...
