S.C. Aging in Place Coalition to Celebrate Older Adults Aging Successfully

To celebrate National Aging in Place Week, the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition (SCAIPC) will recognize older adults who are examples of successfully aging in place here in the Charleston community.

“Gifts of Aging” will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing, 1500 Old Towne Landing Road. The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required; call Roper St. Francis Healthline at 843-402-2273.

Marty Bell, executive director of the National Aging in Place Council in Washington, D.C., will be on hand to help present the awards and speak about the national aging in place movement.

According to the Administration on Aging, persons 65 and older represent about 1 in 8 Americans or about 40 million people. That number is expected to swell to 72.1 million older adults by 2030 – double the number in 2000.

National Aging in Place Week – Oct. 13-19 – brings attention to the growing population of older adults, and events around the country help raise awareness of the aging in place movement and ability for seniors to remain in their chosen residence for as long as possible.

SCAIPC chose to host a Gifts of Aging event as a way to spotlight the many contributions older adults bring to the local community.

“This event celebrates how older adults have such a positive impact on our community and the lives they touch,” said Kelley Hallman, SCAIPC event chairwoman. “This event allows us to show them off to the community and to show our gratitude. It’s truly an honor to be a part of making this event come to life. “

SCAIPC is also joining with ITNCharlestonTrident for the sixth annual “Shucking for Seniors”, an oyster roast and a chili cookoff on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Bowens Island Restaurant, 1870 Bowens Island Road in Charleston. The event is 2-5 p.m. and includes live music, a silent auction, food, drink and a Halloween costume contest for adults and children.

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door and children 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets at shuckingforseniors.com or call 843-225-2715.Proceeds from the event benefit ITNCharlestonTrident, an independent transportation network for adults 60 and over as well as adults with visual impairment.

About the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition

Founded in 2003, the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition is a nonprofit agency comprised of businesses and organizations that support people as they prepare to remain in their chosen residence – independently, comfortably and safely. The coalition’s key initiatives are education, transportation and outreach. For more information, visit www.scaipc.org