Equitable distribution

Equitable distribution is based on census information and federally approved slots to the regions. It is also dependent upon capacity within a region or community to deliver senior services. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services of the Alaska Job Centers (AJCs).

Localities and populations

Alaska has the fastest growing senior population rate in the U.S. Although people in the state are living longer and many are active, this comes with a rise in the number of seniors with dementia, chronic health conditions, and behavioral health needs. Alaska’s total senior population is expected to grow very rapidly in the next 15 years because of the size of the baby boomer population, as well as historical trends in migration and longevity. The reason behind the rapid expansion of Alaska’s senior population lies in the events of the 1970s – the construction of the Trans–Alaska Pipeline and the economic boom that oil development brought about, drawing thousands of young people to the state for newly created jobs in every sector. Those young people established homes and families, and grew extremely fond of Alaska’s lifestyle. Many of them stayed on for their entire working lives, and are now choosing to retire in the state as well, representing a shift in a long–term pattern where most seniors left the state upon retirement.