The annual Senior Recognition Luncheon, hosted by the Fairbanks North Star Borough is merging with the “Fairbanks at 50+ (Fairbanks at 50-plus) Art and Science of Aging” summit.
Carol Anthony, one of the coordinators, said last year, the hospital’s Community Health Improvement Plan Senior Care Team put on the first Art and Science of Aging summit.
“Since May is Older Americans Month, and since the borough is also doing a senior recognition luncheon, we combined forces.”
Senior adults are the fastest-growing demographic in Alaska. Keeping them here benefits the overall economy and social diversity of the state.
“Our demographic has substantially shifted and will continue to shift.”
Anthony says her team is using tools from AARP to examine how aging-friendly a community is through 8 sectors: housing, transportation, health services, buildings and outdoor spaces, communication, employment and volunteerism, social participation, and respect.
If those sound like things everyone should care about, Anthony says you’re right.
“But that takes on a different dimension as we bring with it the wisdom that we've gathered over our years and that what we need of our systems. So it breaks it down in terms of a built environment; what do we need in our community to have put in place, but also a social environment.”
Anthony says her team is looking at a five-year plan to make Interior Alaska a more age-friendly place.
“Year one is building the commitment and also kind of assessing -- doing an appreciative inquiry; what have we got to work with and how do we build on what we have? Then we spend the next year or two pulling out some plans and setting some definite steps.”
Input from the summit and other outreach will help determine what’s achievable in the next few years, an effort Anthony says AARP grant funds and technical advice could assist.
Today’s Senior Recognition Luncheon is by reservation, but most of tomorrow’s presentations and workshops at the Carlson Center are free and mostly open.
Event Details: All events will take place at the Carlson Center, 2010 2nd Avenue, Fairbanks
Thursday, May 9: 10 am - 1 pm: FNSB Senior Recognition Luncheon (reservations required)
Thursday, May 9: 1 pm - 2 pm: Timber Creek Stroll – Carlson Center-Pioneer Park loop
Friday, May 10: 8 am - 5 pm: Fairbanks at 50+ Art & Science of Aging Summit
Friday, May 10: 8 am - 2 pm: AK Health Fair Screenings (pre-registration needed)
Event schedule can be downloaded here: https://www.foundationhealth.org/our_community/classes_support_events/events/fairbanks_at_50/downloadable/2024_fbxat50plus_schedule_exhibitors