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Have you received unsolicited spam texts with a message that appears to be from your bank, credit card company or a shipping company such as FedEx? How about a message just saying “Hi. How are you?” These are called “smishing” scams—scams which involve a text message on your cell phone. Statistics show that people read nearly all their texts, but may not answer calls from unknown numbers nor respond to emails. Scammers know this, and use smishing to get personal information like your Social Security number, date of birth and usernames...
Are you a grandparent who drives with your grandkids? We want to help keep everyone safe. The Center for Safe Alaskans has a new service called Drive Safe and Fit that checks two important things: - Your grandchild's car seat - How well your car fits you as the driver December 2-6 is Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. This makes it the perfect time to check that both you and your grandkids are safe in the car. Why you should get a Drive Safe and Fit check For your grandkids: Did you know that t...
he Anchorage and Chugiak senior centers are hosting free legal clinics this December to help seniors navigate legal questions and access resources, brought to you by Alaska Legal Services Corp. Chugiak Senior Center: Date: December 3 Clinic: Begins at 10 a.m. 907-688-2677 Anchorage Senior Center: Date: December 17 One-hour presentation prior to clinic: 10 a.m. Clinic: Begins at 11 a.m. 907-770-2000 Participants will have 30-minute one-on-one sessions with an attorney during the clinics. While these sessions do not offer legal advice, the attorn...
Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military. Veterans Day is intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served have protected the freedoms that we enjoy every day. There are more than 11 million adults age 60 and older alive today who have served in the military. Older veterans face a variety of challenges including health, financial and housing...
Senior Voice was recently recognized for excellence, winning eight awards in the annual contest sponsored by the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA), a nationwide network of publishers focusing on boomer and senior readers. Awards were announced Sept. 11, 2024, at the annual NAMPA conference, held virtually online this year. Entries were independently judged by a panel including journalists, proofreaders, librarians and geriatric professionals. Senior Voice entries competed in Division A, for circulations below 25,000. Senior...
Alaska Commission on Aging The Alaska Commission on Aging invites you to join our next teleconference on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. This session will focus on senior centers in Alaska and the unique challenges they face across the state. The goal is to gather insights and develop evidence-based recommendations for the governor, legislature and advocacy groups. We are excited to feature presentations from Pat Branson and Darlene Supplee, followed by breakout sessions for regional discussions. Participants are encouraged to come...
The Social Security Administration continues to partner with locations throughout Alaska to offer secure video service, a convenient and no cost service option that allows people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service is available at these locations: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, 1000 Grek Kruschek. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Kenai Senior Ce...
We are excited to share that most of our local offices now have new American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant kiosks. These new kiosks are designed to enhance accessibility and ease of use for all visitors, particularly those who are blind or have low vision. They have several features and benefits to ensure a seamless check-in process, including: Standardized cabinetry (meeting specific height and width requirements). Audio headphone jack sockets. Integrated braille instructions for how to use the kiosk. Accessible keypads. Built-In...
Interested in learning more about fellow 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, sponsored by Older Persons Action Group, Inc., is an opportunity for all the above. Informal, early and free, the event begins at 8 a.m., second Wednesday, at a different host location each month. Breakfast provided. The next date is Nov. 13, hosted by Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Email Older Persons Action Group, Inc. at a...
Older Persons Action Group, Inc., earned honors for its monthly, statewide publication Senior Voice in the 33rd annual National Mature Media Awards Program. The program, presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the senior market, recognizes the nation's finest marketing, communications, educational materials and programs designed and produced for older adults. Entries were judged by a panel of mature market experts from across the United States for overall exc...
Social Security works with our Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. OIG may impose a penalty against anyone who: Mails misleading solicitations that appear to be from or authorized by Social Security. Operates an impostor website or social media account designed to look like it belongs to or is...
The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program check booklets, available at local senior centers and other agencies, are eligible for use through Oct. 31, 2024. Each booklet includes $40 worth of checks for buying fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and honey at participating farmers’ markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands within Alaska. Applicants must be at least 60 years old and meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Links to program information, booklet distribution locations and a downloadable application are at...
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hosting its 4th Annual Resource Fair on Wednesday, September 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This virtual event is designed to provide valuable tools and resources for veterans and their families. Participants can look forward to a variety of sessions, including "VA Benefits for Survivors 101," by the Office of Survivors Assistance, and "Home Modification and Home Fit Guides," by AARP. Additional resources will be available from the VA Office of Community Care and legal services. There will also be a...
“Inclusive Aging in Alaska: Thriving and Growing Together,” is the theme for the 10th Annual Alaska Disability and Aging Summit hosted by the Alaska Disability and Aging Coalition, Oct. 8 and 9 in Anchorage. The summit will be hybrid again this year, with attendees joining in on Zoom and in person at the Special Olympics Alaska Jim Balamaci Training Center and Campus at 3200 Mountain View Drive. The goal of the summit is to bring Alaskans together to further discuss the national and state trends regarding the aging population to include ind...
National Employ Older Workers Week, held annually the last full week of September, recognizes the vital role of older workers in the workforce. It also showcases the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to individuals age 55 or older with limited financial resources. Since its inception, SCSEP has helped over one million older Americans enter the workforce. In Alaska, we call SCSEP by another name, Mature Alaskans Seeking Skills Training...
The Ted Stevens International Airport North Terminal will be the site of this year’s Veteran Stand Down event in Anchorage on Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual event aims to support veterans in need by providing essential services and resources. Veterans attending the event will have access to cold weather gear, hot meals, flu shots, community resources, and more. Various organizations, including VA participants like the Veterans Justice Outreach and HUD-VASH veterans supportive housing, will be on-site to offer assistance. C...
Dear Savvy Senior: I’m going to retire in a few months and need to get some temporary health insurance until I can enroll in Medicare at age 65. What are my options? — Early Retiree Dear Early: There are several places early retirees can find health insurance coverage before Medicare kicks in, but the best option for you will depend on your income level, your health care needs and how long you’ll need coverage for. Here’s where to look. Affordable Care Act. For most early retirees who aren’t yet eligible for Medicare, the Affordable Care Act...
The Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) has two important events coming up aimed at improving the lives of Alaska's senior citizens. Senior Transportation Teleconference Join the ACoA on Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. for a teleconference dedicated to improving transportation services for Alaska's seniors. The session will focus on gathering community feedback and developing recommendations for enhancing transportation accessibility across the state. The teleconference can be accessed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89719043442. The teleconference will bring...
NIMBY, Not in My Backyard. These angry words have created barriers for those needing help finding safe housing and obtaining other basic needs. Central Lutheran Church in Anchorage reframed NIMBY and created a nonprofit organization, In Our Backyard (IOB). The mission is to provide safe, interim homes and connections to support services for our unhoused senior neighbors as they work to obtain permanent homes. In Our Backyard Board Chair Julie Green-Graham shared, “Each time the Sullivan Arena closed, members of Central Lutheran Church asked, h...
The Social Security Administration will be providing in-person services to three local Alaskan communities, Dillingham, Nome and Sitka, the first week of August. These services will allow local Alaskans to perform a variety of essential tasks, including replacing Social Security cards, updating addresses, reporting changes, and asking questions about their benefits. This will be especially beneficial for those living in areas where access to an SSA office is limited, noted a Social Security Administration press statement. Bringing a form of...
As people age, changes in vision, flexibility, strength, range of motion and even size and height can make drivers less comfortable and reduce their control behind the wheel. Injuries from accidents can also be worse. CarFit is designed to give a quick, yet comprehensive check on how well an older driver and their vehicle work together. The sessions are completed in 20 minutes and include a guided discussion through a 12-point checklist. The program is free for the individual and tailored to their needs. It addresses various aspects of driving...
If you're like me, you get bupkis in Social Security income. Bupkis is an appropriate term because it's a Yiddish word, which is literally translated as "beans" and is derived from a Slavic word for "goat droppings". The second Wednesday of every month, I receive $1,150.50 minus United Health premium and the tax I pay ahead to cover the extra money I make from freelance writing. Passive income But I have also started an online store through Bonfire, selling T-shirts I've designed, as I started...
Have you picked up your Farmer's Market checks? The Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program check booklets are available at local senior centers and other agencies for use July 1 through Oct. 31. Each booklet includes $40 worth of checks for buying fresh Alaska-grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs and honey at participating farmers' markets, authorized farms, and roadside stands within Alaska. Applicants must be at least 60 years old and meet low-income eligibility guidelines. Links to...
The Social Security Administration continues to partner with locations throughout Alaska to offer secure video service, a convenient and no cost service option that allows people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service is available at these locations: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, 1000 Grek Kruschek. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Kenai Senior Ce...
The 33rd Alaska Legislature concluded its two-year session on May 15. The legislature set out to prioritize energy and education policy in 2024, and those issues did take much of the session’s focus, political will, and compromise, in addition to the usual budget process. AARP Alaska’s 2024 legislative advocacy pushed for policies and funding that support aging in place, financial security, and improved access to healthcare. We saw major successes in our work to restore and expand funding for critical programs serving older Alaskans, with add...
