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Volunteer Spotlight: Juneau’s Journey to Age-Friendly Living

Posted on 04/09/25

As the population in Juneau ages, important questions arise: What housing options are available for seniors? What happens when elders want to downsize? Is there enough affordable and accessible housing in Juneau? The dedicated volunteers of the AARP Juneau Community Action Team are actively working to address these concerns and make Juneau more age-friendly for people of all ages. Their mission is to ensure that seniors receive the services they need to remain in their homes as they age.

They have worked with local and national organizations to make Juneau more age-friendly. They’ve collaborated with national housing experts from the RL Mace Universal Design Institute to improve housing options for seniors in Juneau. Their efforts include exploring remodeling possibilities, implementing accessible designs, and developing new senior housing projects.

Group of people walk outside

Last year, they collaborated with national experts from America Walks and Juneau officials on improving pedestrian safety. They hosted several walk audits around the city to identify and address pedestrian issues, ensuring safer pathways for everyone. The team organized multiple meetings with residents and business owners interested in re-establishing the Vintage Park Trail along the Mendenhall River. Their efforts have also encouraged community partners to apply for the AARP Community Challenge Grants, leading to the creation of new garden beds at the Thane Community Garden, the acquisition of new trail grooming equipment for the Juneau Nordic Ski Club, and the development of a wheelchair-accessible trail at the Jensen-Olson Arboretum.

A laughing woman stands in front of a table with branded swag

The Community Action Team is also working with the Juneau Commission on Aging to establish a City and Borough of Juneau Office of Aging and create a Senior Recreation and Wellness Center. As part of their Age-Friendly Plan, this group is working with Juneau Public Libraries, Juneau Parks and Recreation and Bartlett Regional Hospital to offer more senior-oriented programming. These dedicated volunteers are also part of the Southeast Regional Elder Coalition, which focuses on organizing services for seniors across Southeast Alaska. They played a key role in planning the recent Southeast Elder Regional Coalition summit, where they shared valuable information on brain health and strategies to make Juneau a more age-friendly community.

The AARP Community Action Team has been instrumental in sponsoring and helping organize Walk Southeast, a friendly virtual walking contest for Southeast Alaska residents. They also sponsored a piano concert series hosted by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, bringing music and joy to the community.

Three women stand posed with a Valentine's card and rose bouquet

Each year, these dedicated volunteers deliver Cupid Crew roses and cards on Valentine’s Day to those who provide services to seniors in Juneau, spreading love and appreciation. Additionally, they hosted a reception at the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council to discuss important topics like fraud prevention, caregiving resources, and brain health. This event also served as a platform to gather community input on making Juneau more age-friendly.

You can often find these hard-working folks at various events, such as health fairs and resource fairs, sharing valuable information on aging well.

Two women sit behind an AARP information table

AARP Alaska would like to thank the volunteers of the Juneau Community Action Team for their time and dedication to improving the lives of seniors living in Juneau. If you are interested in helping make Juneau more Age Friendly, contact Linda Kruger at lindalaska2003@gmail.com.

This story is provided by AARP Alaska. Visit the AARP Alaska page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

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