Articles from the March 1, 2021 edition
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 34
Explore the merits of chess at March 'Age Smart' forum
AARP Alaska, Older Persons Action Group and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center continues its series of “Age Smart – Let’s Talk” forums on March 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Events are currently held virtually on the internet, using Zoom. The...
Legislative Zoom conferences: Updates on senior bills and budgets
Keep track of senior-related bills, budget decisions and other issues by attending the Alaska Commission on Aging Legislative Teleconferences. Hosted by local agencies statewide, and available by toll-free call-in, the teleconferences provide a...
Want a job or new skills? These resources offer both
The other day I had a most interesting interview via Zoom with several sterling denizens of Alaska civil service, discussing several employment programs that have tons of money, no waiting lists and just might make a huge difference in your life. In...
Proposition 2 on Anchorage ballot supports seniors, libraries
Remember when ice cream only cost a quarter? These days, 25 cents won’t buy much, but for less than one dollar, voters can still support some of the most popular facilities at the heart of our community. This spring, we have an opportunity to give...
Alaska Alliance for Retired Americans, a valuable resource for seniors
The Alaska Alliance for Retired Americans (AKARA) was organized by a group of retired Alaskan workers in the fall of 2017. The group is affiliated with the Alliance for Retired Americans, a nationwide grassroots organization, launched in 2001. ARA...
Meeting the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native caregivers
As is now well-known, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on communities of color. For American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, the virus has proven to be extremely...
Tips on getting your COVID shot in Alaska
I got vaccinated at the Alaska Airlines Center, a large sports stadium on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. I said to Christy, my wife, “Now I know what salmon on a cannery conveyer belt feel like.” OK, not a perfect analogy because the...
Life after vaccination: How safe is it?
Many older adults are becoming fully immunized against COVID-19. Being immunized is an important way to keep yourself safe but vaccines do not allow you to drop all other public health precautions to prevent COVID-19. While full immunization should h...
Medicare and taking care of your behavioral health
Did you know that Medicare can help cover costs associated with behavioral health care? Behavioral health care includes mental illness and addiction-related issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “a mental illness is...
Spring into wellness with a health fair appointment
Alaska Health Fair’s spring schedule is busy providing services to Alaskans. Find current dates at www.alaskahealthfair.org and check back frequently, as the schedule is fluid. We continue to add new dates as they come available and make changes...
Keeping your balance as you age takes work
Dear Savvy Senior: What can you tell me about balance exercises? I’ve fallen a few times over the past year and have read that balance exercises can help me regain my steadiness, but I’m not exactly sure what to do. — Unsteady at 70 Dear Unstea...
Free training, support for family caregivers
With senior centers still closed for most activities, the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program will hold all March peer support meetings on Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at its office at 44539 Sterling Highway, Suite 202 in the Blazy Mall in...
Free online classes teach movement as medicine
"Move today and you'll love moving tomorrow." - Ruthy Alon, Feldenkrais Method© Practitioner and movement trainer. We have endless options to move, to go place to place, up and down, side to...
Hospice has resources for you, the caregiver
Are you caring for someone who is seriously ill? We can help. Hospice of Anchorage understands that being a caregiver is an important job. You shoulder many responsibilities caring for a friend or relative who is seriously ill. You may also have...
Robotics and knee replacements; benefits of tea, coffee
Newly discovered benefits of tea and coffee Adding more tea and coffee drinking to your daily routine may reap some important hidden health benefits. Stroke and heart attack survivors can reduce...
Autoimmune disorders and risk of infection
Having an autoimmune condition, or a thyroid condition can make you more susceptible to coronavirus complications. Think of autoimmune conditions in the same manner you would other immunosuppressive disorders (cancer, organ transplantation, history...
New guidelines for better nutrition and health
Every five years since 1980, the U.S. government has released a new version of the “Dietary Guidelines for Americans”. These reports are thorough reviews of up-to-date diet and health research, focused on population-wide health promotion and...
Juneau program connects friends with seniors
Friends of Seniors, Catholic Community Service (CCS) Juneau's latest volunteer program, addresses gaps in community care. The program matches senior participants age 60 and older with local...
Helping your shelter means more than just walking dogs
When people think of volunteering at their local animal shelter, their first thought is usually to volunteer as a dog walker. But what if walking big, exuberant dogs doesn't appeal to you or doesn't...
Networking for Anchorage, Mat-Su area providers
Interested in learning more about businesses and agencies providing senior services in the Anchorage and Mat-Su area? Want to get the word out about your own service? The monthly Service Providers Breakfast (formerly known as the Interagency...
Outdoor discovery becomes daily winter delight
Recently I came in from my afternoon snowshoe laps and quickly removed all my winter gear. While waiting for my tea water to heat, I pondered my enjoyment of my favorite winter exercise. I hadn't gone...
Pedaling and thriving through a pandemic
Before Alaska International Senior Games Athlete Carol Johnson even had a bicycle, her ten-year old adventurous self was drawn to biking, learning from her grade school friends on their bikes. Fast...
'If I'd known then what I know now…'
If I could go back in time, what advice would I offer my 21-year-old self? There are obvious things: Save more. Don’t buy that impractical convertible. Wear better shoes (your future feet will thank you). Other coulda-shoulda-wouldas: Write down...
Apply now for AARP Community Challenge Grant
AARP Alaska invites community organizations and local governments across the state to apply for the 2021 Community Challenge grant program, now through April 14. Grants fund quick-action projects that can range from several hundred dollars for...
Riches eluded John Bremner, but not fame
In the Koyukuk country, two rivers and a lake are named after a grizzled old Scottish prospector who explored the Copper River Valley. Not much is known of John Bremner's life before he arrived in...