Sorted by date Results 76 - 100 of 1990
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...
Hospice is not a place. And hospice care is not just about those who are dying. Hospice is a comprehensive, compassionate kind of care that focuses on living-hospice is about living as fully as possible, surrounded by family and friends, up until the end of life. Palliative care brings this special philosophy of care to people earlier in the course of a serious illness. Did you know that Hospice of Anchorage is a volunteer hospice? Did you know there are three Medicare hospice providers serving...
WASHINGTON—The U.S. House approved the “big, beautiful bill” on May 22 that Republican leaders spent months negotiating with centrists and far-right members of the party—two distinct factions that hold vastly different policy goals—over intense opposition from Democrats. The 215-214 vote ships the package to the Senate, where GOP lawmakers are expected to rewrite much of it, before sending it back across the Capitol for final approval, a process likely to stretch through the summer. President Donald Trump, who said he backed the House version,...
June is packed with events as Alaskans get the most amount of sunshine of the year this month. The summer solstice is June 20 at 6:41 p.m. Alaska time.. https://www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/anchorage?month=6 You can get out and enjoy the summer through a variety of activities. … An event to bring metaphorical sunshine into your life takes place June 6. The Forget-me-not Chorus, a program of Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, is performing its spring concert at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center Ballroom. Complimentary refreshments will be ser...
How many Alaska seniors have wings? Hmm, perhaps that's not the best way to phrase it. How about, "How many Alaska seniors are snowbirds?" Better. It's an interesting question because we all know at least a couple of snowbirds. Heck, maybe even you are a snowbird, but that doesn't really tell us much about the big picture. Turns out that counting snowbirds is a bit of a sticky wicket. "Snowbirds are hard to measure because they either remain residents and therefore aren't counted as...
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, 907-262-2322....
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 m...
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...
A series of training videos specifically made for rural caregivers came out last month to a warm reception among service providers. "These are amazing! Wonderful for quick on-point training or a 6-month refresher," said Mary Beth Westland, chief operating officer for Mat-Su Senior Services in an email to other caregiving agencies. The project is the brainchild of Jennifer Garrison, who works in home- and community-based programs for Catholic Community Service in Juneau. While at a Title VI...
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 communities have shorebird festivals, such as the Cooper River Del...
May is a special time as we celebrate Older Americans Month. This year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging,” focusing on how society perceives and approaches aging. The Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) is highlighting senior issues throughout the month on our Facebook page. We invite you to follow us for daily updates on activities and issues affecting seniors across Alaska. Staying connected is easy: simply search for "Alaska Commission on Aging" on Facebook. Save the date! Monday, May 12 from noon to 1 p.m. the American Aging Assoc...
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...
Q: What are general recommended daily supplements, nutrition guidelines and dietary needs for a person aged 65 to 75 years old? A: It's great to see your interest in health and wellness as you navigate this vibrant stage of life. Proper nutrition and the right supplements can make a significant difference in maintaining overall health, energy, and vitality. Here are some tailored recommendations for individuals aged 65 to 75 years old: Daily supplements 1. Multivitamin: A once-daily...
Personally, I'm one for three in the mix. I am 78 so I have been on Medicare for years, but so far (knock on plywood-I'm in my home office) I have not had to sign up for SNAP or Medicaid. I have been very lucky in that my personal resources have been enough. But who knows what the future holds for us as individuals or for the programs as a whole? Suffice it to say that at this point on the program side it is not looking too rosy. Here's the big picture, and I'll just editorialize that we...
Dear Savvy Senior: My local Social Security office was recently shut down because of staff layoffs and large-scale downsizing by the Department of Government Efficiency. All this disruption makes me very nervous, as I’ll be applying for my Social Security retirement benefits later this year. My question is, how are we supposed to get help with our Social Security questions or problems now that our office is permanently closed? What can you tell me? –Anxious Aaron Dear Aaron: I’ve been getting a lot of questions on this very topic. The Socia...
Taking the drug Ozempic and other drugs in this class may help you live longer. With GLP-1 drugs dominating headlines for their impact on weight loss and metabolic health, new discussions around their potential role in extending healthy lifespan are emerging. Dr. Christoph Westphal, co-founder and general partner of Longwood Fund, said the biotech industry is partnering with physicians and the result is rather remarkable. “Within three or four or five years, if we can prove that with GLP-1s y...
RurAL CAP's AmeriCorps Seniors Program includes the Elder Mentor and Senior Companion Programs, which provide volunteer opportunities for people 55 and better. RurAL CAP partners with schools, Head Starts, local governments, and health agencies to set up volunteers host sites. Volunteers get training, support, and a small stipend as a thank you for I never expected to become an Elder Mentor. One of the teachers at our school called me and asked if I would volunteer. At the time, I wasn't...
It’s springtime. In the Municipality of Anchorage, that means it’s election season. The last day to turn in your mail-in ballot or vote in person is Tuesday, April 1. The municipal election includes the Anchorage Assembly, the school board, and a slew of bond propositions. The Anchorage People Mover is free all day on Election Day … Alaska Pacific University is hosting an outdoor gear swap. The event is Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at APU’s Mosely Sports Center, 4400 University Drive. The sale is a fundraiser for the APU outdoor gea...
The nonprofit Road Scholar celebrates 50 years with new tours, as well as free armchair travel. Offering a wide selection of destinations for avid travelers, it also keeps in mind those who can no longer travel or cannot afford to. "For 50 years, Road Scholar has empowered older adults to explore, learn and connect with the world around them," said James Moses, CEO of Road Scholar. "Beginning with our first program at the University of New Hampshire in 1975, we have partnered with thousands of...
Switching permanently to either standard time or daylight saving time would disadvantage either early risers or night owls, according to experts. The current system provides each group with benefits for half the year. Now, the Coalition for Permanent Standard Time is calling for change. The group contends abolishing seasonal time changes and adopting permanent standard time, follows science and prioritizes public health, safety and efficiency. A survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that half (50%) of Americans support...
