May 2025 Edition
May 2025 Edition
When I think of Mother's Day, I think about the woman who always encouraged me to go after what I wanted. My mom believed in education, independence, and making the most of opportunities-values she passed on to me from a young age. So, when her memory started to slip and things became more uncertain, I knew it was my turn to step in. It happened quickly. She had been living in Idaho, and at first the signs were subtle, repeating herself, forgetting details, growing more anxious. Then I got a...
1. Keep a routine. Consistency helps reduce confusion and anxiety. Keep meals, rest, and activities on a regular schedule whenever possible. 2. Simplify the environment. Clear clutter, use labels or photos on drawers and doors, and create calm, easy-to-navigate spaces. 3. Be patient with communication. Speak slowly, use simple sentences, and offer reassurance instead of correction when your loved one is confused or upset. 4. Take care of yourself. You can’t care for someone else if you're...
My husband Gary had lived in the Palmer Veterans and Pioneers Home for two years on Memorial Day 2024. I planned to join him as usual to attend the 11 a.m. Memorial Day program. With our grandson sweating away in Army basic training in Fort Moore, Georgia, the holiday had even more significance. During the Sunday sermon the day before, the pastor had brought several interesting things to light about celebrating Memorial Day. Then first thing Monday morning, I found the entry in my daily...
If you are hearing “Pomp and Circumstance” a lot lately, that’s because May brings with it the commencement ceremonies happening at high schools and universities across the state. This month is also a time to reflect on the sacrifice of military personnel killed in battle. Americans also associate Memorial Day weekend with the official start of summer, and that’s no different in Alaska, where you may have noticed scenic byways getting more congested with tourists … Many coastal...
May 1-31 Nationwide Older Americans Month. May 11 Nationwide Mother’s Day. May 3 Anchorage The Anchorage Genealogical Society is having its spring seminar. The AGS will have a slate of speakers with a variety of knowledge about genealogy, including presentations about German and Scottish genealogy, recording your family history on your phone, learning about DNA, the Mayflower Society, and Daughters of the American Revolution. The keynote speaker is Claire Gebben. Gebben is an award-winning...
Women LISTEN is an Anchorage-based group of women dedicated to the mission of supporting women living with cancer by focusing on sharing information, offering emotional support and practical ideas while advocating for people with cancer, and connecting women in meaningful ways. Those who are new to the cancer journey, as well as longtime survivors, celebrate courage, give voice to fears, provide helpful tips and help smooth the path for women who have experienced the trauma of hearing the...
Q: Coming back home after visiting my mom opened my eyes to the various challenges that older individuals face- challenges I had not fully recognized before. I've also noticed growing strain in our relationship as she ages. How can I improve our communication, especially when I need to discuss concerning behaviors? A: I appreciate you sharing your reflections after a visit with your mother. It is natural to feel a sense of concern as we navigate the complexities that come with aging and...
After a brain injury, stress management is crucial for recovery and well-being. -Calm is an app that offers a variety of breathing techniques, calming exercises, and sleep resources. -The Hatch sound machine provides sleep sounds while a user falls asleep and a sunrise alarm for gentler wakeups, reducing the need to look at a bright phone first thing in the morning. -Another tool to help with stress management is Loop earplugs, specifically the Quiet and Engage models, which minimize background...
In this month's article, I will discuss Medicare's coverage of durable medical equipment, which is called DME for short. It is equipment that helps you complete daily activities. This category is also sometimes labeled more inclusively as DMEPOS for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies. Medical equipment to help you daily Durable medical equipment (DME) are items that help you complete your daily activities including a variety of items, such as walkers, wheelchairs,...
I am a Certified Medicare Counselor working under SHIP. My office is in the Soldotna Senior Center, and I serve the state via phone. If you are local, I can help you as a walk-in. I am here Mondays through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call with your Medicare questions,...
Thomas McCarty, a 71-year-old audiologist, celebrated two milestones in April. He entered his 14th Boston Marathon and raised more than $15,000 for cancer research in the process. McCarty is part of a program in which participants in the famous 26.2-mile race can raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in lieu of qualifying with a speedy time. The Boston Marathon is known for having a high barrier to entry and elite runners rubbing shoulders with more mortal athletes. McCarty started...
Older adults are expressing their discontent with medication barriers. A large majority of older Americans feel that health insurance, including Medicare, should cover anti-obesity medications, according to a new University of Michigan study. More than half of older adults who meet criteria for obesity said they were interested in trying one of these drugs to manage their weight. Current law prevents Medicare from covering medications to treat obesity, and most private plans don’t cover the...
Heart attacks are a major health concern for older adults. Knowing what to watch for can save your life or the life of someone you care about. While a heart attack can happen suddenly and without warning, it can also start with small symptoms that are easy to miss. It's critical to recognize these signs and know what actions to take. The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort. This often feels like a heavy weight, tightness, or squeezing in the middle of your chest. It...
We all know that exercise is good for us. Maintaining a regular exercise routine helps your heart, lungs, muscles, even your social and mental health by being part of a fitness community in your neighborhood, at your local gym or senior center. While moving to get your blood flowing is important, slowing down and taking recovery time also matters. You can reap the benefits of recovery through red light therapy, percussive massage tools, or with restorative yoga. Restorative yoga is a gentle...
U.S. travelers will need to present a REAL ID-compliant license/ID or another acceptable form of identification to board commercial flights in or out of the country beginning May 7. Travelers who fail to produce a REAL ID or an accepted alternative may not be allowed through Transportation Security Administration security checkpoints. Children under 18 are not required to provide identification when traveling within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards have a star marking on the upper top...
