Celebrating Seniors and Their Stories

Alaska’s senior population is unique and diverse, representing the many cultures and experiences that have shaped our state. Their contributions have been fundamental to Alaska’s ongoing success and development.

May is Older Americans Month, which provides an opportunity to celebrate seniors while also highlighting the needs of this vibrant – and growing – population.

Surge in Older Americans

Across the United States, the population of individuals age 65 and over grew at one of the fastest rates ever between 2010-2020 and represented 17% of the total population.

That trend has been seen in Alaska as well with a steady increase in the senior population in recent years. In 2023, Alaskans over the age of 60 years old represented more than 21% of the state’s population according to that year’s Alaska Commission on Aging Senior Snapshot.

The population of Alaskans 60-plus increased by 73% from April 2010 to July 2023, while those 65-over went up by 101% in that same time period. Further, individuals 85 and older are expected to increase by 500% between 2023 and 2050.

Providing Homes and Communities

For many older Americans, finding safe, quality, affordable housing is vital to ensuring their quality of life. Some may require special needs to manage physical conditions or cognitive issues. Others may face challenges living on fixed incomes that make it difficult to find housing they can afford.

Alaska Housing Finance Corporation is committed to providing housing opportunities for older Alaskans. In 2023, AHFC had 610 total units available for senior and disabled housing in eight communities statewide, with a waiting list of more than 1,900.

For many residents, being at one of AHFC’s senior housing facilities is as much about finding a community as it is simply having a place to live. Learn more about the experiences of some of our residents from across the state.

A Unique Perspective

Evelyn has a unique perspective on senior housing. The long-time Wasilla resident spent years helping seniors find housing as an executive with Wasilla Area Seniors, Inc. As part of her efforts, Evelyn worked with AHFC to help fund senior housing projects that provided more options for older residents.

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“Back when I first started working there, this area had hardly any senior housing. That’s one of the reasons we built apartments for seniors here. We put a 20- to 30-year plan together to build and grow because we knew the senior community would continue to grow.”

– Evelyn, Senior Housing Resident

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Today, Evelyn is a resident at Williwa Manor, AHFC’s senior housing location in Wasilla.

“Through my previous experiences with Alaska Housing, I know they’ve done a lot of really good stuff for Alaska,” Evelyn said. “And by living here I’ve experienced it for myself.”

‘I Felt Like I Was Home’

Decades ago, Walter was a cab driver in Seward who often gave rides to people living in AHFC’s Glacier View for senior and disabled Alaskans. At times he’d sit outside waiting for passengers and wonder if someday he would be among Glacier View’s residents.

Today, Walter does live there along with many people he knew throughout the years. He has a nice view of Resurrection Bay from his third-floor apartment, spends his days engaging with other residents – and playing video games on his PlayStation.

“I just like this place,” he said. “When I was shown my apartment I felt like I was home.”

‘People Have Showed Me Such Love’

For some residents, AHFC’s senior housing locations are more than just places to live – they are communities that help sustain people in good times and bad.

Linda has seen some of both in her years living at Alaska Housing’s Golden Towers property in Fairbanks. She  initially moved there with her husband, but when his health declined and he passed away Linda retreated into her apartment and kept to herself.

Eventually, a neighbor named Tom convinced her to leave the apartment. A friendship blossomed and through the years turned into something more. When Tom and Linda married, nearly a dozen residents joined them at the church and following a brief honeymoon, a party was held in the newlyweds’ honor at Golden Towers.

In sad times and happy ones, Linda has felt blessed to be part of the Golden Towers community.

“People have just showed me such love,” she said. “Such unconditional love.”

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Learn more about how AHFC works to ensure Alaska’s seniors have access to affordable, accessible homes and supportive services.