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Esteline "Estie" Moe, who has lived in Alaska since 1947, turned 103 this summer, celebrating her birthday with neighbors and family. When asked what the key to a long life is, she simply says, "You have to milk cows." Estie was raised on a farm in northern Minnesota, the eldest daughter in her family, and did chores alongside her father and two brothers. With 40 cows on the farm, she would milk ten cows every morning before breakfast and every night after school, shovel manure, and stack hay....
A visit to Norma Alderfer's home shows a woman who is meticulous-in her recollections, her style, her graciousness. She welcomed two visitors on a sunny day in July dressed in blue pants and a cream-colored sweater with a matching necklace, her red lipstick on and a neat stack of letters and mementos ready to share. From Kansas to Alaska At 101, Norma can tell you all about her childhood in Arkansas City, Kansas, the beloved only daughter of a couple who raised a daughter to be a doer. She worke...
Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 Online via Zoom https://alaska.zoom.us/j/82305144805?pwd=S0VIdzNCWE03Z2prMFk4V1ozWUwyZz09 The OPAG board of directors meets at 12:30 p.m., followed immediately by the annual meeting....
"How to look chic while riding a bike...denim culottes are perfect for riding since there is plenty of legroom and the 'Breton' top gives it a Parisian vibe." When I read those words several years ago in the caption under an internet photo news blurb, I almost laughed out loud. I'm an avid bike rider, but looking chic is not a priority while peddling through my Mat-Su Valley subdivision. One time, a neighbor laughed and commented that he was glad I wasn't a bandit wanting to rob his garage...
A person’s name might only appear in print once in their life unless they become famous—or infamous. We had the opportunity to get Esteline “Estie” Moe’s name correct in the September issue, but we flubbed it. I committed the cardinal sin in editing: I introduced an error. I tell my journalism and communications students to get it right, and to use accuracy checklists to help them do so. Then, in the same week I delivered that lecture, I found myself with a writer justifiably upset that I had changed her copy for the worse. Since Estie mig...
Q: My dad's hearing loss is leading to miscommunications with my mom, causing family frustration because he refuses to get a hearing evaluation. What can we do? A: Hearing loss can lead to significant misunderstandings within families, particularly for older adults who may struggle with communicating their thoughts and feelings. In many cases, this situation is compounded by a parent's reluctance to undergo a hearing evaluation, which can cause frustration for family members. Understanding the u...
I have just retired after enjoying 32 years as a primary care provider. My clinical focus has been on creating wellness, rather than managing disease, primarily through good nutrition and positive self-care. I have observed that women, especially those born before the early days of legally bolstered equal rights, have often been made to feel that their role is to serve men. We are unfortunately seeing a persistence or revival of sexism at personal, community, state, and national levels. It is...
From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, I encourage you to review and, if needed, change your Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) under Medicare’s 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 e...
Alaska Health Fair events offer a chance to learn about important health topics topics in an informal setting. Attendees can receive free basic screenings, obtain information and resources, and have their questions answered by health, wellness and safety professionals. Health fairs are also a great way to connect with local health resources. Most importantly, events feature comprehensive, affordable blood tests. Obtaining blood screenings at health fairs is a great way to get quick, accurate results at a fraction of the cost. Alaska Health...
Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, unveiled an updated logo in late August. The new logo, which now features the iconic forget-me-not flower, the official state flower of Alaska, embodies remembrance, community, and Alaska roots and is a symbol of memory, love, and care. This reflects Alzheimer's Resource's mission of serving all Alaskans facing the challenges of A...
The Alaska Native CARE Lab at the University of Alaska Anchorage will be conducting a focus group study exploring dementia knowledge, experiences, and needs in rural communities. This research project seeks to learn from Alaska Native people who care for or have cared for someone with memory loss. The goal is to better understand the current needs of families and to strengthen support systems. Two focus group events will be held in Anchorage: October 24–25, 2025 (Friday & Saturday), 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. December 5–6, 2025 (Friday & Satur...
Current research is showing that a healthy plant-based diet, along with regular physical activity, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body weight, can reduce breast cancer risk. Further, engineering combined with digital health may unlock a much better way to detect breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute reports that one in eight women born in the U.S. today will develop breast cancer. Studies have consistently demonstrated that consumption of vegetables, fruits, and soy...
Growing older doesn't mean slowing down creatively-and for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the creative arts, and specifically the Art Links program offered by Alzheimer's Resource Alaska (ARA), can be a lifeline for memory, connection, and joy. Research consistently shows that engaging in creative activities can significantly improve health outcomes for older adults, while also supporting cognitive function in people at risk for or living with memory loss. A landmark 2006...
As the days get shorter than the mercury in the old thermometer you still have outside, you may feel an urge to stay inside more. While it's natural to want to cozy up by the fireplace, too much sitting can seriously harm you. Let's talk about why staying active matters and how you can do it safely this winter. When we sit for long periods, our bodies get weak. Our muscles get smaller, and our bones become brittle. Blood doesn't flow as well, which can lead to dangerous clots in our legs. Our...
Dear Savvy Senior, What's the best way to find a good handyman or tradesman that can help with small jobs around the house? - Almost 75 Dear Almost, It's a great question. Finding a good home repair/handyman can be a bit of a crapshoot. How do you find someone who will return your calls or texts, show up on time, do the job right and finish it, all at a fair price? Here are a few tips and resources that can help you search. What kind of help While it may seem obvious, whom you call on for h...
Everyone is doing more shopping online. But Alaskans especially increasingly rely on online platforms to find products not available locally. Sometimes we crave shopping in stores, touching the merchandise, trying on clothes, but you can’t beat the convenience of going online any time of day or night and ordering exactly what you want for delivery to your front doorstep. Scammers know this and are targeting shoppers to obtain credit card and personal information. Watch for these red flags: F...
The Anchorage Pioneer Home is located in downtown Anchorage. It's one of a number of assisted living homes operated by the State of Alaska. Brian Studstill, the communications director for the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, said in an email that of the 164 residents in Anchorage Pioneer Home, 49 of them are eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid helps pay for services not covered by Medicare, including long-term care. According to the Alaska Department of Health, the state paid...
This October, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention will once again shine a light on the wisdom and contributions of Alaska Native Elders. Two free special events-the Elizabeth Peratrovich Legal Clinic on Oct.16, and the Elder Appreciation & Wills Clinic on Oct. 17-will take place at the AFN Convention at the Dena'ina Convention Center, Second Floor, Room 5 in Anchorage, offering a blend of celebration of Elders and legal help for Alaskans. All are welcome at these free events and...
Just like the population of the Mat-Su Borough, the Valley's iconic turn-A-leaf (tAl) Thrift Store is growing all the time. The thrift store has become well-known and widely recognized throughout the Mat-Su, and the kindness and generosity of the Valley community is beyond compare. During six days of each week (closed on Tuesday), more than 100 cars come by to drop off donations. All sorts of fabulous items are donated throughout those six days. Whether it's clothing, household goods,...
The Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) is excited to share news about its new podcast, "Alaska Wisdom and Wellness." The show was created to share helpful information about aging with Alaska's seniors, elders, and the people who care for them. The podcast is hosted by Marty Lange and Pat Branson. Marty is the executive director of ACoA, and Pat Branson was the executive director of the Senior Center of Kodiak for 35 years before retiring. They will talk about the unique needs of older Alaskans and cover important topics like preventing falls, av...
Organized by the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Anchorage Museum, and the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, the Governor's Arts & Humanities Awards recognize Alaskans whose noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities have made a lasting impact on Alaska's social, economic, and civic life. Since 1968, the awards have highlighted individuals and organizations that have helped strengthen communities by forging connections between people across Alaska, those who have furthered traditional Alaska Native...
The University of Alaska Southeast Juneau campus provides local Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) courses for high school and community students and has an immediate opening for an instructor. This is a critical role in strengthening the health care workforce and addressing a long-standing gap in Juneau. Applicants must meet Alaska Board of Nursing requirements, hold RN or LPN licensure, have at least two years of nursing experience (including one year in long-term care), and demonstrate the ability to teach or supervise nurse aides. This full-time,...
The Alaska Veterans Museum is having a dinner and fundraiser Oct. 11. The event is at the AMVETS Post 2, 855 E. 38th Ave. in Anchorage. You can get tickets in person at the museum, 411 W. Fourth Ave. or by mailing a check to Alaska Veterans Museum, PO Box 773364, Eagle River AK 99577 or by credit card by calling Jann Sherrill at 813-545-6957 or ejannsherrill54@gmail.comjannsherrill54@gmail.com....
This month is packed with traditional fall events, such as the Alaska Federation of Natives convention. Make sure you make time to enjoy the golden light and the crisp temperatures … The regular municipal election of the Fairbanks North Star Borough is Oct. 7. Borough Assembly seats B, C and I and school board seats C and D are on the ballot...Voters in Juneau are also going to the polls Oct. 7. They have three ballot measures to consider. Soldotna an acrylic art series begins Oct. 8 and continues each Wednesday until Nov. 5. The sessions a...
Oct. 1-31 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 1-31 National ADHD Awareness Month Oct. 1-31 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Oct. 1-31 National Filipino American History Month. Alaska officially recognizes October as Filipino American History Month following the passage of legislation signed into law in 2023. To learn more about the contributions of Filipino Americans to the state, check out Mana Alaska, a digital storytelling project dedicated to this community. https://www.manaalaska.com/ Oct. 4 National Golf Lover’s Day O...
