In order for South Carolina to reach her full potential, it is important to provide our senior population with the tools and services they need to stay independent in their own homes and communities. Scores of people are retiring to South Carolina, and our native citizens are living longer more productive lives.
According to new population estimates released on June 20 by the United States Census Bureau, the median age in South Carolina increased from 39.3 to 41.8 between 2010 and 2018. During the same period, the estimated number of people 85 and older increased by 18,258, and the number of people 65 and older increased by an estimated 268,041.
Anderson County has seen an increase in its senior population, defined as those age 65 and older, from 31.6K in 2010 to 40K in 2019. The average (median) age is also increasing, rising from 39.7 in 2010 to 41.8 in 2019. So Anderson County is keeping pace with the state averages for our senior population.
The population of people aged 60 and older in South Carolina is projected to double from the level of 2000 by 2030 (see graph and notes 1 & 2).
All seniors need help from time to time. It can seem impossible to find the type of help you need and know what the quality of care will be. We will continue to provide resources to give you the support and guidance you need no matter what area you are struggling with.
We encourage you to reach out for help, learn what is available, and review our online resources. When you need something urgent, that is not the time to start the journey. Many programs provide help at little to no cost and will gladly sit with you and help you organize the needs so that they can be met without problems later on.
Too many times our senior population feels as though they are all alone, with little availability to needed resources due to money and being able to move about and access the offerings. This category is here to show that the help they need is readily available, they just need to ask.
Take a look at my post that provides some support groups in your area: Link to Elder Support Meetings. I’ll work to keep you updated as more become available.
Please click on the Alzheimer’s Association logo for my post on their site, October 30, 2019.
Before you go
Please take a few minutes and check out the links here:
- Read about my experience on a 252-mile ride for Alzheimer’s: Link to Independent Mail
- My blog about living with Early Onset Dementia: Link to Keith’s Blog
I’m excited to be the curator and strong advocate for our aging community. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. I would love to help!
Keith Moreland
keith.moreland@outlook.com