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As our beautiful Alaska spring turns to summer, many people sneeze and sniffle more than their normal. Pesky seasonal allergies can make enjoying our gorgeous outdoors difficult. Let's go over helpful information about recognizing allergic reactions, treating them, and minimizing seasonal allergies. First, let's talk about how to know if you're having an allergic reaction. Mild to moderate symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, watery or itchy eyes, and itchy throat. You might also...
Anchorage bird feeders came down this April heavy with uneaten seed and unresolved questions. Throughout the winter, local birdwatchers remarked on the absence of small passerines-an order of perching birds that includes more than half the world's avian species. Where were the redpolls, the pine grosbeaks, and white-winged crossbills? Last year these birds mobbed feeders and fir trees across the city. How could the flocks vanish like so many melting snowflakes? Science offers important clues....
Wildland fire danger is growing across Alaska. A warm and dry winter has put fire officials on high alert and prompted residents in zones where wildland meets urban development to take precautions. "The wilderness surrounding us presents a significant fire risk," said Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance at a recent town hall about fire prevention efforts across the Municipality. "Our beautiful green spaces, while cherished, also mean that the risk of fire is ever present, even in our urban core. We...
-Sign up for text alerts by texting “Anchorage” to 67283. In Fairbanks, you can text FPDALERTS to 67283. -The Municipality recommends bookmarking trusted sources’ information outlets via website or social media. These organizations are committed to providing timely, accurate information to the public: Anchorage Police Department Anchorage Fire Department Municipality of Anchorage Office of Emergency Management Anchorage Health Department: https://www.muni.org/Departments/health/Pages/default.aspx State of Alaska: https://rea...
Firewise Alaska Alaska Interagency Coordination Center Municipality of Anchorage Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (available in several languages) Anchorage Fire Department Wildfire Division Alaska Wildland Fire Information A comprehensive website with regular updates on fire activity. Wildland-Urban Interface Community Action Team Organizations like Access Alaska offer specialized emergency preparedness information and toolkits tailored for individuals with disabilities and seniors. The "Get Ready! Toolkit" includes checklists and...
David Washburn received the 2025 Ron Hammett Award from the Municipality of Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission on May 7. Washburn, the long-serving editor of the Senior Voice who retired in March, was singled out for his service over the course of a three-decade career at the Senior Voice. The award was presented during Older Americans Month in May. "My community work has been your community work," Washburn said in receiving the award at the Anchorage Senior Activities Center. In 2005...
Statistics published by the American Cancer Society in 2025 suggest that one of every eight men (12.5%) will experience prostate cancer during their lifetime. And the incidence rate has increased by 3% each year since 2014. Men who are 65 and older are experiencing the highest rates of prostate cancer. Yet with intervention, the survival rates for prostate cancer are high at 97.7%. Since cancer goes into remission and never really goes away, the question “What future can I expect when living with prostate cancer?” has many answers. The pro...
Dear Savvy Senior, Q. My husband and I, who are retired, have accumulated about $7,000 in credit card debt over the past few years and need some help paying it off. What can you tell us? - Living Underwater A. Dear Living, I’m sorry to hear about your financial woes but know that you’re not alone. Credit card debt has become a big problem in this country for millions of older Americans. According to a recent AARP report, 52 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have credit card debt, along with 42 percent of those ages 65 to 74. Rising costs of bas...
Jury duty scams are on the rise in Alaska, and it's crucial to know how they work so you can avoid them. One common scam involves an email that claims you missed jury service and includes a calendar to select a week when you'll be available. The email may threaten fines or imprisonment if you don't respond. This email is not from the Alaska Court System or the U.S. District Court...It's from a scammer! Do not click any links in this email. In another version of this scam, a caller claims to be...
Q: I recently watched the documentary “The 90s Club,” where individuals in their 90s share their perspectives on life, love, loss, and the search for meaning. This deeply resonated with me and sparked reflections about my own future. Some days, it is challenging to remain optimistic, especially when I find myself surrounded by constant reminders of farewells and funerals. I'm seeking ways to shift my perspective and find hope amid grief. How can I develop a more positive outlook? A: One way to...
Alaska’s summer solstice season offers long hours of light, warmer days, and a strong pull for Alaskans to enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. For individuals living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), June is a great time to embrace the outdoors. Summer’s sunshine brings plenty of chances for fun and connection, but it also comes with a few extra things for caregivers to keep in mind. Whether it’s a gentle walk on a local trail or time spent gardening on a porch, outdoor activities can support emotional well-be...
Assistive Technology of Alaska is celebrating World Assistive Technology Day on June 4. There is a virtual expo on emerging assistive technology from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by an in-person open house at ATLA from 1 to 4 p.m. Schedule 9–10 a.m. Emerging Tech: Assistive technology for employment 10 –11 a.m. Emerging Tech: Assistive technology for community living 11 a.m.–12 noon Emerging Tech: Assistive technology for education 1–4 p.m. In-person open house at ATLA, 1500 W 33rd Ave Ste 120, Anchorage 99503. Discover what is new in assistive...
Preventive health care is care you receive to prevent illness, detect medical conditions, and keep you healthy. Medicare covers many preventive health care services, including routine vaccines. Today I will discuss how the different parts of Medicare cover vaccines, along with some important notes about a few common vaccines. Point 1: Understand that most vaccines are covered by Medicare Part D If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases this service will be covered by your...
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 am to 3:30 pm. Call with your Medicare questions, 907-262-2322....
Even though muscle is heavier than fat, and exercise greatly stimulates appetite, no health improvement or weight loss program will ultimately succeed without focused toning. This is because muscle is highly metabolically active tissue and uses up close to 80% of our glucose requirements. In general, I favor low carb (and no refined carb) diets, especially for blood type O and B. A blood types would ideally choose a pesco-ovo vegetarian diet (avoiding red meat and heavy dairy products). But we all like to have a treat now and then—right? So, sa...
Technology use among older adults appears to benefit cognitive health rather than harm it, according to a large-scale meta-analysis published in Nature Human Behaviour, a monthly multidisciplinary online-only peer-reviewed scientific journal. The study, which examined data from more than 411,000 adults ages 50 and older, found that engaging with digital devices may actually help protect against cognitive decline and dementia. “The generation that brought us the digital revolution is now r...
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed annually on June 15, is a critical opportunity for Alaskans to reflect on the safety and dignity of our rapidly growing senior population. With more than 160,000 Alaskans now aged 60 and older—representing nearly 22% of the state’s population—the risk of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation is rising in step with demographic changes. Older adults in Alaska face unique vulnerabilities, especially in rural communities. People may be isolated, have disabling conditions, or experience other healt...
The Alaska Legislature has passed the fiscal year 2026 operating budget with a $2.5 million increase for senior community grants, half a million less than the $3 million increase the House originally proposed. This funding is meant to strengthen critical senior services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, and caregiver support. Funding for an additional Assistant Long-Term Care Ombudsman position was included in the budget to address the growing needs of Alaska's aging population. The state has experienced a significant increase in...
Alaskans are more likely to lack health insurance, according to Census Bureau data. They are also racking up more medical debt. Alaska showed a 32% increase in medical debt from 2020-23, with the percentage of residents in medical debt growing from 4.90% to 6.48%. Where one lives can determine what kind of medical coverage you can get and also influence the cost of health care. Iowa had the greatest number of residents falling into medical debt, while Delaware was able to reverse medical debt the most of all states. An analysis of government...
Laura Long is one of just a handful of dedicated senior companion volunteers across Alaska. She gives her time, energy, and heart to support older adults in her community. Since October 2024, Long has served as part of RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program, where her passion for culture, connection, and care is helping reawaken a sense of togetherness among Elders in St. Mary's. "My community needs more activities for Elders, and I want to make that happen as a Senior Companion...
Three years ago this month, I finally planted my black currant berry patch -a total of 14 plants-along the sloping edge of my year-old lawn. It was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to complete a project that was 10 years in the making. Normally, to develop a successful berry patch, a person would identify a location and prepare the ground before or at least at the same time as acquiring the berry plants, but not me. Those kinds of considerations rarely seem to come together for my...
The 42nd annual First Alaskans Institute Statewide Elders and Youth Conference will take place at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Oct. 12-15. Elders and Youth is open to all who want to learn and immerse themselves in a gathering that centers Elders and youth in Native ways of knowing and being. The Elders and Youth Conference is not open to the public the way the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Conference is. EY Council representatives each register and agree to the rules that help keep the conference safe for Elders and youth. First A...
The Alaska Legal Services Corp. is welcoming a summer intern at its Fairbanks office. The intern is part of the Rural Summer Legal Corps (RSLC), a partnership between LSC and Equal Justice Works. Each summer, law student fellows join LSC-funded legal aid organizations to support clients in underserved rural areas. RSLC training started in late May with interns from across the country. From helping survivors of domestic violence to advocating for veterans and seniors, these fellows will provide legal assistance this summer. Many rural...
June 1 Nationwide National Cancer Survivors Day. June 1 Palmer Stallions of the North. A parade of stallions that live in Alaska. This free event begins at 12 noon. https://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/stallions-of-the-north/ June 3 Statewide The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service is having a webinar titled “Warming things up with plastic, glass and plastic mulch” 5:30-6:30 p.m. These gardening classes started in April, but there are still some left in June. Join the classes each Tuesday via Zoom. Visit https://bit.ly/...
One of the most cherished traditions in the world of baseball began as a bar bet between two saloon owners at the turn of the last century when Fairbanks was a small gold rush town. The stakes? Bragging rights for the entire winter. According to local lore, the first "High Noon at Midnight Classic" was played on June 21, 1906, between the Eagle's Club and the California Bar. Led by Eddie Stoecker, who became known as "Father of the Midnight Sun Game," the score ended with the Eagles falling to...
