As he strolled the famous fairways of Augusta, Georgia, with “everybody that you’ve ever heard of playing golf,” Ned Entwisle of Wasilla was living his dream. He was more than 3,500 miles from home, a green “Alaska 2 Augusta” cap on his head. He was at the 2024 Masters — with VIP access.
Anchorage, Alaska is officially the 678th community to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC). An AARP Age-Friendly Community is one where a city’s elected leadership has made a commitment to actively work with residents and local advocates to make their city a safe and fulfilling place to live for people of all ages. As an NAFSC member, Anchorage is now publicly recognized for its commitment to becoming age-friendly and will receive access to resources for identifying and assessing community needs, as well as technical assistance, expert-led webinars, and connections to a national network of over 670 enrolled communities. The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is part of AARP’s larger livable communities work that focuses on hands-on, locally determined and directed initiatives. The common thread among the enrolled communities is the belief that the places where we live are better able to support people of all ages when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between.
The Anchorage Age-Friendly leadership team will be conducting a pilot ‘Walk Audit’ later this month. What is a Walk Audit and why are we conducting one in Anchorage?
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is now recruiting for volunteers for the 2023 season. As a Tax-Aide volunteer, you can help out in the local community, at a site near you. We do need your help, and you can make a significant difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors here in Alaska. Free tax preparation is an important boost for individuals and families. Sometimes the tax refund means keeping the heat on or helping with rent for Alaska's most vulnerable residents.
Alaska has the fastest growing senior population in the nation, which means an increasing number of Alaskans are living with dementia. Our state needs to be prepared to address the needs of aging Alaskans, and the passage of House Bill 308 was a big step in the right direction.
As we near the end of summer, it is almost time to bring this season's harvest into the home. You have spent many hours cultivating crops or fishing in Alaska waters, so our goal is to help preserve your food so it can bring you joy through the winter. Join the UAF Cooperative Extension Service and AARP Alaska for a five-part Fall Harvest Series, which will cover how to make natural, long-lasting products for your family, ranging from jerky to jellies.