People over age 65 get reduced admission prices to many Alaska attractions, and some accommodations have special senior rates. The National Park Service offers a senior free admission and discount program to those 62 or older under the ungainly name America the Beautiful -- National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass -- Senior Pass (formerly called the Golden Age Passport). The pass is good for lifetime free entrance to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges for a one-time processing fee of $10. Buy the pass in person at any park that charges an entrance fee. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm or call tel. 888/467-2757.
Most towns have a senior center where you'll find activities and help with any special needs. The Anchorage Senior Center (tel. 907/258-7823; www.anchorageseniorcenter.org) offers guidance for visitors, as well as use of the restaurant, a gift shop, and a fitness room and a chance to meet locals. Dances are held most Friday nights.
Elderhostel, 11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111-1746 (tel. 877/426-8056; 877/426-2167 TDD; from overseas, tel. 978/323-4141; www.elderhostel.org), operates many weeklong Alaska learning vacations for groups of people 55 and older. The catalog of choices is on the website.
