Mabel T. Caverly Senior Center is pleased to announce that membership is now available in the Anchorage Senior Friendly Project. This is the center’s newest program After five-plus years of planning, and with the assistance of the Older Persons Action Group and the Municipality of Anchorage Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, the center launched the program on January 1. This exciting and worthwhile program will impact Anchorage’s growing senior community in amazing ways.

The mission statement of the Anchorage Senior Friendly Project is “Businesses, Seniors, and Community working together to build a Common Unity.” This will be accomplished by helping local businesses benefit from an ever-growing senior market. Currently, retired Alaskans bring into the state an estimated $1.46 billion annually. Tourists and baby boomers will expand the senior market exponentially in the future. The local business environment is primed to tap into this market. It’s a win-win situation for all. The program even has Mayor Dan Sullivan’s personal endorsement.

Mabel T. Caverly Senior Center recently conducted a senior shopping survey in Anchorage. The results indicated a significant need for better lighting, wider aisles, large print signs, places to sit and rest, working electric carts, and the list continues. The Anchorage Senior Friendly Project’s goal is to offer local businesses a wider consumer market by becoming a senior friendly member. This type of program already exists in the lower 48, Canada and even Europe. These programs have received wide acclaim for their success.

Not only is this a great opportunity for businesses to help their community, it offers them added exposure – possibly a whole new market for their products and services. In addition to becoming a certified Anchorage Senior Friendly Project business member, there are also opportunities to become an honored sponsor. There are major benefits of all levels of sponsorship.

Marketing efforts begin later this month. For additional information on the program, please contact the program’s executive director, Denise L. Knapp. She can be reached directly at the Mabel T. Caverly Senior Center located downtown at 911 W. 8th Avenue, Suite 104. Her telephone number is 276-1496.