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Editor's Note: National Centenarian's Day was Sept. 22. The day honors those who've celebrated 100 birthdays or more. We're publishing several profiles of people who have hit this milestone this fall. The Alaska Commission on Aging is working with the Governor's Office, Pioneer Homes and Long Term Care Ombudsman to celebrate Alaska's centenarians. This interview was made possible thanks to the Alaska Commission on Aging. A lot of Alaskans of a certain era can recall driving up the Alcan, their...
The Alaska Training Cooperative provides non-academic trainings for people who work in Alaska’s direct service professional and behavioral health workforce and who work with people who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias as well as other mental health issues. Training and technical staff collaborate with communities and partners to offer trainings and training assistance to agencies, organizations, businesses, and associations. This enhances workforce development blending evidence-based practices with traditional wis...
Alaskans value resilience. We know what it means to work together in tough times, and we require solutions that meet the unique challenges of our vast and remote state. Few areas demonstrate this need more clearly than health care. Our mission at the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development is to promote a healthy economy, strong communities, and protect consumers in Alaska. Our ability to achieve this mission depends on factors across many sectors, but one key indicator is the stability of our health care system. Health care...
Q: As I have gotten older, I find myself experiencing more restless nights than restful ones. What can I do about it? A: Quality sleep is fundamental for our overall brain health and well-being, especially as we age. It plays an essential role in strengthening the immune system, repairing cells and tissues for physical recovery, and enhancing cognitive skills such as focus, problem-solving, and creativity. Eating nutritious foods, engaging in physical exercise, and social activities can further...
A reader wrote in that they frequently get sick during travel. Bummer! While there really isn’t any good time to get sick, it’s especially no fun when you are on vacation. However, this is common because we are exposed to so many people, and their germs, in crowded airports. Once on the plane you’re probably OK because airlines have installed fantastic air filtration systems. Airports/bus stations/train stations—not so much. Here are five simple steps to bolster your immune system and reduce...
As we age, our skin transforms from being elastic and plump to sagging and thin. As well, senior skin produces less oil, becoming dry, itchy and flaky. Sorry, that's the reality, but you can make your skin feel better with moisturizing and, again, hydrating by drinking lots of water. We also get pesky dry spots all over our bodies that itch and when we scratch too much it bleeds. Best to avoid that. Consult a doctor for any unusual or persistent skin conditions, as they are common in older...
Identity theft, in particular, medical identity theft can happen to anyone of us. In fact, this month is one of the most likely months for this crime to be committed. The other likely months are January, February, March, April … yes, any month of the year. And, while a victim of this theft can feel especially vulnerable, most likely “it isn’t personal,” but more likely a crime of opportunity. However, like a home invasion, medical identity theft can upset your life, disrupt your plans, steal y...
Dear Savvy Senior, How do Social Security spousal benefits work? My wife, who’s approaching age 62, has had a few small-paying jobs over the years, but spent most of her time as a homemaker. What is she entitled to? - Primary Breadwinner Dear Breadwinner, Spousal benefit questions are among the most frequently asked and confusing parts of Social Security. The rules that govern qualifying and claiming are knotty, and there are many exceptions. But understanding how these benefits work is crucial for maximizing your family’s retirement inc...
Be sure you know the real facts to protect yourself and your loved one. It is well established that vaccination is the most powerful tool to avoid influenza-related hospitalizations or worse. As many as 130,000 people in the U.S. died from the flu last year, according to estimates from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) "By getting the flu shot, you're not only protecting yourself, you're protecting your family and vulnerable members of the community who would suffer a more...
As the holidays approach, many of us find ourselves remembering how things used to be—bustle in the kitchen, children running through the house, traditions we kept year after year. With time, those traditions may change, and so do we. If you’re living with memory loss, or simply noticing that the holidays feel different now, it’s important to know that you are not alone. The season can still be filled with joy, warmth, and connection, even if it looks a little different than it once did. Maybe you used to cook the whole Christmas dinner yours...
The October 2025 ADAC quarterly meeting was the first ever face-to-face meeting. The day included a review of A Call to Action: Alaska’s 10-year Map to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia with Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, a discussion on data and work with the Division of Public Health, a presentation by Aging at Home Fairbanks, a clinical presentation on the connection between hearing loss and dementia, ADAC workgroup updates, and more. Access links for the minutes here: https://bit.ly/4843rOb The slide deck is ava...
This August, AARP Alaska celebrated the 90th Anniversary of the Social Security Act being signed. Since being enacted on August 14, 1935, Social Security has supported a secure retirement for millions of Americans, helping them to retire and age with dignity. In its 90 years, Social Security has never missed a payment, which allows Americans to reap the benefits of their hard work with certainty. Honoring a milestone statewide To celebrate, AARP Alaska kicked off a series of Social Security...
Dan Kline is a retired UAA professor who is expecting his Affordable Care Act monthly premiums to rise from about $192 per month with government subsidies to $1,733 per month because the U.S. government is drastically reducing subsidies that helped Americans buy health insurance in the pandemic and post-pandemic era. Kline, who is a few months away from turning 65, has used the ACA for health insurance since COBRA coverage ended after he retired in 2021. “This is for an out-of-pocket total of a...
I had a curious, I would say unpleasant, brush with the Canadian health care system on the way down the ALCAN to Seattle late last August. By the time I got to Whitehorse I was pretty sick. I knew I had been exposed to COVID-19 but I repeatedly tested negative on self-administered tests. Still, I felt terrible. The next day was Saturday, and I wanted to go to a walk-in clinic for more accurate testing and treatment. No dice. They were all closed on the weekend. So I decided to hold out until...
The longer we occupy them, the more our homes become precious to us. They hold our memories and keep us comfortable through Alaska's long winters. But our homes can also become dangerous if we don't take steps to prevent fires. Every year, house fires injure thousands of older adults across the country. The good news is that with some simple changes, people can prevent most home fires. The kitchen is where most home fires start. When cooking, never leave food on the stove or in the oven...
Do you have fond memories of hanging out and listening to vinyl records when you were young? Maybe you still have some in a box in your attic, collecting dust. Or perhaps you still listen to them. Records are back in style. And they're not just popular with people who are nostalgic for days gone by. Introduced in 1948, the "long-playing" (LP) record format dominated the music industry until the late 1980s when they were largely replaced on store shelves by compact discs (CDs). Long forgotten by...
You can contribute $24,500 to 401(k) plans in 2026, up from $23,500, the IRS announced in November. The Internal Revenue Service also issued guidance regarding all cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2026, which you can see here: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-25-67.pdf Now, the annual contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings plan is $24,500. You can also c...
The only reason I attended the 2024 Colony High Christmas Bazaar was to purchase the most recent Tundra comic book. I had tried in August at the Alaska State Fair, but at the Tundra booth, Chad Carpenter told me they weren't back from the printers yet. So, when I learned that Tundra would be one of the vendors at that bazaar, I circled the date on my calendar. As I drove to the school shortly before the 10 o'clock opening time, the sun was peeking out to the left of Pioneer Peak in all its...
Providence Family Medicine Center has been recognized by the American Heart Association and American Medical Association for its commitment to improving blood pressure control rates, earning Silver-level recognition from a national initiative that seeks to lower blood pressure called Target: BP. The Silver achievement award recognizes practices that have demonstrated commitment to improving blood pressure control through BP measurement accuracy. Additionally, three Providence Medical Group Primary Care locations— Huffman, Midtown and S T...
The Alaska Department of Health’s Analytics and Vital Records Section has released three annual data reports that explain facts of interest to health care professionals, policymakers, and the public. Now you can see information on the HAVRS Data and Statistics page, such as Alaska Health Facilities Data Reporting (HFDR) program 2024 annual report. Alaska Vital Statistics 2024 annual report Cancer in Alaska 2022 annual report The reports help shed light on health trends and public health initiatives in the state. The reports are crucial for u...
A highlight of Alaska is that when it’s the holiday season, it looks like a Christmas card: snow falling, children playing, trees glistening. Get out and enjoy the many ways to celebrate the season … Nome has a Christmas Extravaganza at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Old Saint Joe’s on Anvil City Square. For details, email cityevents@nomealaska.orgcityevents@nomealaska.org https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1143779374595519&set=gm.1152069650376073 ... Each year, the Anchorage Concert Chorus sings Handel’s “Messiah.” Catch it at 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at First...
The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation announced winners of the 18th annual historic preservation award honoring excellence throughout Alaska. The award honors excellence in historic preservation throughout Alaska. There are several categories, both for projects and for individuals. The Robert Mitchell Historic Preservation Architect Award was awarded to Anchorage architect Samuel Combs, Combs & Combs, for his expertise in historic architecture and the many historic preservation projects around Alaska and beyond that he has been...
Elementary school students will get to enjoy cross country skiing thanks to an initiative of the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage and the Anchorage School District. The nonprofit created a kit called the Ski Mobile that was built to be shared among 60 Anchorage schools. The Ski Mobile includes 30 sets of skis and boots to fit children in grades 3–5. The kit was inspired by a group that organizes NSAA ski events. It was championed by 2018 Olympic gold medalist and cross country skier K...
Dec. 1 International HIV/AIDS Day This day kicks off a whole month to raise awareness about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and to educate and support people living with HIV/AIDS. Dec. 1-31 National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month Dec. 1-8 National Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week Dec. 1-8 National Older Driver Safety Awareness Week Dec. 1-8 National Influenza Vaccination Week Nov. 25–Dec. 10 National 16 days of activism against gender-based violence Dec. 2 National Giving Tuesday A day that is meant to encourage p...
Following the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and the American retaliation strike on Tokyo by the Doolittle Raiders in April 1942, Japanese leadership began searching for ways to ext end their bombing range across the Pacific Ocean. Soon, Alaska found itself on the front lines of an unusual, silent, aerial assault. From late 1944 to 1945, Japanese fu-go balloon bombs found their way to the Last Frontier's shores. The fu-go ("fūsen" is the Japanese word for balloon and...
