Senior Voice -

AARP Alaska, Older Persons Action Group and the Anchorage Senior Activity Center will launch a series of monthly forums in October. “Age Smart – Let’s Talk,” will be held on the second Tuesday of each month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Anchorage Senior Activity Center.

The Age Smart – Let’s Talk series is a monthly forum that focuses on a topic of interest and importance to Alaskans who want to be thoughtful about how to make good choices as they grow older. The series is developed to provide working age adults with information necessary to plan and fulfill a secure, healthy and satisfying “Life After 60” (and, of course, all ages are welcome). Each month the series highlights a particular topic with a variety of formats, including issue experts, panel discussions, interactive presentations, and plenty of time for questions. There is no charge for the monthly presentations, but as light refreshments will be provided pre-registration is appreciated (come early for the food!).”

The topic for the first forum on October 9 is “Civic Engagement and the Older Voter”. This will be a timely and interactive discussion about the importance of voting -- especially as we grow older. In fact, the 50+ voters are the deciders! Discussing what voting, and other kinds of civic engagement represent for older Alaskans will be a panel of familiar names: Former Anchorage School Board member Jean Buchanan and Andrew Halcro, former legislator and current Executive Director of the Anchorage Community Development Authority. A link to the registration site can be found at https://aarp.cvent.com/AWOCT92018.

The November forum takes place Nov. 13, and the topic will be, “When I Retire – Where Will I Live?” As Alaskans approach retirement age, we ask the crucial question— where do I live?

Do I stay in Alaska because my family and friends are here? Do I find a retirement area that is more affordable with health care Outside? Do I want to be a snowbird and take care of two homes and travel back and forth? No matter how many times we ask ourselves these questions, it is difficult to come to a conclusion. This second forum and roundtable discussion for Age Smart – Let’s Talk will feature financial and health care experts who can help answer some of your questions.