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If you have a special talent or skill that may benefit a charity or organization, then now may be the ideal to offer your services or ask how you can be of help. April is National Volunteer Month and it is dedicated to honoring all of the volunteers in our communities as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month. For many of us, volunteerism was instilled at a young age. Scores of organizations in small towns, rural counties, and the largest cities would not function without...
ATLA, Assistive Technology of Alaska, will present a “virtual expo,” followed by on-site activities in celebration of National Assistive Technology Awareness Day on April 17. The Virtual Expo will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with presentations on a variety of topics: “Top ios Accessibility Features for Seniors” (9 a.m.); “Adding Assistive Technology to Your Mental Health Tool Kit” (10 a.m.); “Utilizing Assistive Technology to Support Speech and Communication” (11 a.m.); “Assistive Technology for Caregivers of All Ages” (noon). These sessi...
Are your garage, basement and closets overflowing from the heaps of stuff you've been saving 'just in case'? If so, it may be time to put those languishing piles to good use-in someone else's home. Rummage sales are a great way to clear out, recycle, and make some extra cash. Follow these suggestions for a successful sale and a clutter-free home. The storefront A garage is usually the best place to hold a sale offering shelter and requiring little daily set up and tear down. If your garage is...
If you’re considering purchasing a subscription service as a gift, there are a few things you need to know before you start. Whether you're looking to elevate someone’s entertainment, simplify their mealtime, or pamper them with the latest trends, subscription services have got you covered. But be sure you’re making a wise investment. Do your research Research the company you're interested in by checking their social media accounts, consumer reviews and business ratings on BBB.org. Be sure to look for any red flags, such as complaints or scams...
Editor’s note: AGEnet President Marianne Mills testified to the Alaska State Senate Finance Committee in Juneau on Feb. 20. Here is the text of her testimony. My name is Marianne Mills and I am the president of AGEnet, Alaska’s association of senior service providers. AGEnet stands for Alaska Geriatric Exchange Network, primarily made up of private non-profit organizations founded in Alaska. AGEnet’s goal is to help older Alaskans age in place, supporting them to live safely in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and avoid...
Do you know how to spot a government impostor scam? We continue to raise public awareness about Social Security-related and other government imposter scams during the fifth annual “Slam the Scam” Day on March 7, 2024. Knowing how to identify potential scammers will help safeguard your personal information. There are common elements to many scams. Scammers often take advantage of fears and threaten you with arrest or legal action. Scammers also pretend to be Social Security or other government employees and claim there’s a problem with your Soci...
According to the National Council on Aging, five million individuals over age 65 experience sexual abuse each year, but such trauma remains the least-reported of all sexual violence. In Alaska, where sexual assault remains high (three or four times the national average) and continues to trend upward statewide, it’s still a struggle to make abuse against older Alaskans a visible epidemic requiring attention. Alaska’s Standing Together Against Rape (STAR), headquartered in Anchorage, is a statewide organization that since 1978 has responded to...
Dear Savvy Senior: What types of funeral benefits are available to old veterans? My 83-year-old father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, served during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. - Planning Ahead Dear Planning: Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Cemetery Administration actually offers a variety of underutilized burial benefits to veterans as well as their spouses and dependents. Most U.S. veterans (both combat and non-combat) who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge are eligible for burial benefits. To verify your dad’s dischar...
AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide Program in Alaska is available to prepare taxes this season through April 15, 2024. Assistance may be in-person at various locations around the state; online via web, or a combination of the two. Do-it-yourself is also an option using the online assistance. Find a Tax-Aide location and schedule near you with the site locator at https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org/ or by calling Alaska 2-1-1 information and referral line by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221. You will be instructed on what to bring to your preparation v...
Training specialists and other representatives from Alaska’s Senior and Disabilities Services are available via Zoom on the first and third Monday of each month (March 4 and 18) for “Individual and Family Office Hour,” noon to 1 p.m. Ask questions about benefits eligibility, the Medicaid waiver, and other services available through SDS. For information and the Zoom meeting address, email sdstraining@alaska.govsdstraining@alaska.gov or call 1-800-478-9996 or 907-269-3666....
he Social Security Administration partners with locations throughout Alaska to offer a secure video service option. Video service is a convenient and no-cost way for people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service locations are available at: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, located at 1000 Greg Kruschek Ave. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai...
AARP 2024 legislative priorities focus on sustainable funding for senior safety net programs, adequate healthcare access, improved public services, and financial security. Senior safety net programs While most older Alaskans are self-supporting, some need financial assistance or no-cost services to remain independent. Senior safety net programs like Meals on Wheels, senior transportation, and the Senior Benefits Program provide foundational support to help low- and moderate-income elders remain in their homes and communities. Senate Bill 170...
Romance scams are big business for criminals because millions of people are using dating sites. According to the Federal Trade Commission, $547 million was lost to romance scams, up 80% from 2020, with much of that money paid with gift cards and cryptocurrency. And this is just the tip of the iceberg-many people never report scams because they are too embarrassed, or because they don't know where to report the theft. Both men and women are susceptible to these types of scams. It's estimated...
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 Feb. 14, hosted by the UAA Trust Training Cooperative. Call Older Persons Action Group, Inc. at...
My name is Desiree Rodriguez, and I am the peer mentor advocate at Access Alaska. I happen to be in a wheelchair because of a spinal cord injury from cancer when I was age three. Although I grew up disabled, I have been fighting for my independence since I was 12. Today, I work full-time and live independently. My goal is to help people feel like they are part of a community and reach their goals. Access Alaska provides independent living services to seniors and people with disabilities. We are well known for our lending closet, where people ca...
Editor's note: This press release was received on Jan. 9, 2024. On Monday, Jan. 15, the Alaska Bar Association, Alaska Court System and Alaska Legal Services Corporation will host their fifteenth annual MLK Day free legal services event in Anchorage, Juneau, Fairbanks and Bethel. “The Alaska Bar Association has followed the national lead of making this a ‘day on, not a day off’ as a powerful way of building community and providing service,” stated Krista Scully, Pro Bono Director of the Alaska Bar Association. “The need in Alaska for affordabl...
Social Security impostor scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We want you to know how to identify a scammer and avoid becoming a victim. We will never: Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification. Suspend your Social Security number. Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine o...
AARP Alaska has partnered with United Way to provide a new resource for Alaska’s 94,000 family caregivers. AARP Alaska and United Way Worldwide are using the 211 helpline to connect residents with trained, compassionate navigators and available local resources. Through 211, a free health and human services information and referral helpline, caregivers can now talk to real people in their community to find local resources for themselves and their loved ones. The goal of this program is to identify family caregivers via 211 and match them with c...
The Social Security Administration partners with locations throughout Alaska to offer a secure video service option. Video service is a convenient and no-cost way for people to talk directly to a Social Security employee through a secure computer link that includes two-way video and sound. The video service locations are available at: In Nome, Norton Sound Health Corporation, located at 1000 Greg Kruschek Ave. Video service is available for walk-ins on a first come, first served basis, on the second and fourth Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Kenai...
Alaska Legal Services will operate a free landlord/tenant helpline in January, Monday through Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m. The helpline is staffed by volunteer attorneys who will answer rental-related questions from landlords and tenants alike on evictions, leases, deposits, legal responsibilities of landlords and tenants, and other matters. The attorneys will speak for approximately 20 minutes and callers can be helped regardless of their income or assets. The line does not have a message or call-waiting function, so if a caller gets a busy signal,...
The Alaska Commission on Aging will conduct its quarterly meeting Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., online via Zoom. The commission includes advocates from around the state with the mission to ensure the dignity and independence of all older Alaskans, and to assist them to lead useful and meaningful lives through planning, advocacy, education and interagency cooperation. The link to participate via Zoom is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86109693669. Those wishing to call in via telephone should contact the commission office for the Zoom phone...
Have you clicked on a website and suddenly a loud voice comes on at the same time as a warning fills your screen? The threatening voice advises that you have been infected with a computer virus, warns you not to turn off your computer, and urges you to immediately call the number on your screen. Or have you received an unsolicited phone call from someone who claims to be from Microsoft, Apple or a security software company to tell you they’ve detected a threat to your computer? These are both tech support scams, a surging category of fraud a...
Access Alaska is hosting Holiday Bash parties at its offices in Anchorage, Mat-Su and Fairbanks. Bring your family and friends and enjoy some snacks while participating in holiday crafts, games and an ugly sweater contest. The Anchorage party will be Dec. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Access Alaska office, 1217 E. 10th Ave. RSVP required by Dec. 11. Call 907-248-4777. In Wasilla, the party will be on Dec. 21, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mat-Su Health Foundation location, 777 N. Crusey St. RSVP required by Dec. 11. Call 907-357-2588. The Fairbanks...
Dear Savvy Senior: I’ve been talking to my mobility-challenged mother, who lives alone, about automating her house with some smart home products to make it more convenient. She’s very interested but we’d like to get your opinion as to which types of smart devices are most helpful for seniors aging in place. –Searching Daughter Dear Searching: If your mother is game, smart home products—such as smart lights, video doorbells and voice-activated speakers—can be very useful for aging in place. These devices can add safety and convenience to a home...
Senior Voice has been recognized for excellence, winning seven 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. 21, 2023, at the annual NAMPA conference, held virtually online this year. Entries were independently judged by faculty of the University of Missouri School of Journalism in Columbia, Missouri, who gave awards in categories based on...
