16 Resources
NCOA's information on senior centers and the National Institute of Senior Centers. A starting point for caregivers needing to get the senior out of the house for adult day care or peer connection. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Educational adventures for adults 50+ in 150 countries — formerly Elderhostel. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Open at no cost to Alaska seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, healthy living, and volunteer engagement. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
OLLI — university-based learning communities for adults 50+ at 125+ campuses. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Fitness program included in many Medicare Advantage plans. Gym access and senior classes. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. Encore careers and "unretirement" programs help retired seniors return to meaningful work or volunteering aligned with their skills. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
UnitedHealthcare's senior fitness program, included in many Medicare plans. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Many senior centers offer transportation; ask about pickup zone and schedule when calling. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Open at no cost to Alaska seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Promotes intergenerational programs that bring older and younger people together. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Intergenerational programs (volunteering with kids, mentoring) consistently improve mood and cognition in older adults. Open at no cost to Alaska seniors and the families supporting them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Online courses and tools to help adults 50+ learn new skills. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Many senior centers offer transportation; ask about pickup zone and schedule when calling. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NSGA — biennial Senior Games for athletes 50+ in over 20 sports. Useful for seniors who've lost a spouse, retired recently, or moved to a new city and need new community. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). Intergenerational programs (volunteering with kids, mentoring) consistently improve mood and cognition in older adults. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Promotes encore careers and social purpose work in the second half of life. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Free, confidential, and available to any Alaska resident...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Senior-focused tech training and online community by Older Adults Technology Services (OATS). Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Volunteer programs (AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion) include modest stipends in some cases. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Volunteer program that makes blankets for children — popular among senior crafters. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Senior centers welcome drop-ins for tours, meals, and classes; most ask only a one-time membership form ($0-25/year). SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Find local volunteer opportunities — many tailored for older adults. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Online classes (Senior Planet, GetSetUp, AARP) cover technology, fitness, and topics on demand — many are free. SilverSneakers is included free in most Medicare Advantage plans and covers thousands of gyms nationwide. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online
Find Alaska senior centers through the Eldercare Locator. Meals, activities, socialization. A starting point for caregivers needing to get the senior out of the house for adult day care or peer connection. Adult day programs offer 4-8 hour days with activities, meals, and supervision — often Medicaid-covered for those who qualify. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Open at no cost to Alaska seniors and the families...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
AARP's Alaska state office. Programs, advocacy, and member benefits for adults 50+. Relevant for veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ seniors looking for affinity-based community groups. Many senior centers offer transportation; ask about pickup zone and schedule when calling. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Volunteer opportunities for adults 55+ in Alaska through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP. Worth contacting for any senior who wants to learn something new — language, technology, art, history, dance — at low or no cost. Adult day programs offer 4-8 hour days with activities, meals, and supervision — often Medicaid-covered for those who qualify. Social isolation has the health impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day — these aren't optional add-ons, they're medicine. No cost to older adults or the people helping...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website