AARP Alaska

Scam artists set up fake websites offering anything you could want to buy as gifts around the holidays, at prices that are too-good-to-be-true. And guess what? They a re! You’ll never receive the gift you thought you bought, and the scammers could turn around and use your credit card information for their own purchases. Stick to well-known shopping sites, and always type in the web address, rather than clicking from a link to the retailer.

Thousands of older Alaskans stand to lose crucial assistance from a program that is due to expire in 2018. When the legislature convenes Jan. 16, AARP Alaska will be backing a bill to extend the state’s Senior Benefits Program, which provides cash assistance to more than 11,000 low-income Alaskans 65 and older.

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November 16, 2017

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WASHINGTON, DC — AARP’s recent survey shows that positive emotions far outweigh negative emotions for both family caregivers and care recipients. Family caregivers report more positive emotions despite half feeling stressed or worried and care recipients report more positive emotions despite 6 out of 10 feeling less independent. The survey also found that family caregivers who felt more prepared to take on their role were more likely to report positive emotions than negative.

AARP Alaska will spend a day with municipal planners this month, sharing ideas on how to make communities across the state more age-friendly. The discussions will take place at the annual meeting of the American Planning Association’s Alaska chapter.

About 85,000 Alaskans are caring for an older parent, spouse, or other loved one, helping them to live independently. These family caregivers have a huge responsibility, and now there’s support in place that will make life a little bit easier for them.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has designated October as Long- Term Care Planning Month in an effort to raise awareness about long- term care. Research estimates about 70 percent of people who are 65 and older are going to require long- term care in their lifetime. While it may seem overwhelming to think about this topic, especially if the need is not yet there, now is a good time to start looking at options rather than waiting.

If you live in Juneau, you are invited to a free public lecture “Finding a Better Path to the End of Life” by Dr. Jessica Nutik Zitter on Tuesday, October 3 at 6:30 p.m. Centennial Hall.