When we talk about aging in our community, the discussion usually turns to limitations. The stereotypical image that springs to mind is one of a quiet life spent reading.
But in our area, we know those stereotypes couldn’t be further from the truth. Seniors in Columbia, SC are more active than ever, proving every day that there’s no age limit on learning, growing, and following your dreams.
How Seniors in Columbia, SC Stay Active
The Midlands region has a vibrant community for seniors, full of exciting continuing education opportunities, programs and support for them to keep achieving their goals, whatever they may be. Here are some of the best resources to help your loved one thrive in the Central Midlands area.
- Be a Lifelong Learner
Lifelong learning comes with a whole host of benefits. In addition to improving life satisfaction and social bonds, continued education is key in protecting our brains against cognitive decline.
Luckily, the Midlands Technical College, USC hosts a wide variety of continuing education classes. Across its five campuses, you’ll find courses on everything from business to skilled trades to the humanities. With expert instructors and small class sizes, classes at Midlands are the perfect way for seniors to learn new skills and enrich their lives.
For classes that are a little more recreationally oriented, but still valuable, pay a visit to the Lourie Center. Their Cultural and Educational Classes include fine art lessons, lunch and learns and even introductory foreign language courses.
- Stay Socially—and Physically—Active
Exercise doesn’t just improve strength; it has impressive health benefits, especially for older adults. According to the CDC, exercise can help prevent 8 different types of cancer.
However, many seniors hesitate to exercise at home. Some worry about falling, while others just find it repetitive. But working out with others, especially through a program built with seniors in mind, can allay those fears and have social benefits as well.
In Columbia, SC, seniors have a wealth of options, many of which are discounted or even free for them. The 24 Hour Pickleball Club and Planet Fitness both offer free memberships to SilverSneakers participants. In addition, the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission (LCRAC) offers a variety of senior-oriented group workout programs and trips—the perfect way for your loved one to socialize while getting in some movement.
- Get Involved in Advocacy
Columbia cherishes its seniors, and our local senior advocacy groups bring together professionals across industries to support older adults in our community. The Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging is committed to improving the quality of life for older Columbians with services like home-cooked meals, free legal services or access to long-term care in the setting they’d prefer.
This agency also gives seniors a great way to support each other. Seniors volunteering for their Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can help each other by investigating and resolving complaints for residents of long-term care facilities. It’s a great way for them to have each other’s backs.
- Give Back to the Community
The Columbia area has a strong tradition of community engagement across nearly every topic under the sun. One of the best is Mission Lexington, which offers Lexington County residents food, clothing, shelter and resources in times of crisis. It’s a simple, direct and incredibly effective way for your loved one to make a real difference in the community. With a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, they’re sure to find a way they can contribute.
- Celebrate Local Outstanding Seniors
The Central Midlands are home to many remarkable seniors, and there’s none more prominent than Emmy-winning talk show host Leeza Gibbons. Following the loss of her mother to Alzheimer’s, Gibbons committed her legendary skills as a communicator to telling the stories of seniors with dementia and their families.
Gibbons didn’t stop there. Her advocacy soon extended to include family caregivers of every stripe. And to this day, her organization, Leeza’s Care Connection, offers them the support, connections and resources they need to thrive while caring for a loved one.
Supporting Our Outstanding Seniors
From social groups proving there’s no age limit on fun to our inspiring history of outstanding seniors, it’s easy to find opportunities to celebrate our outstanding seniors in Columbia. And a professional caregiver from FirstLight Home Care of Columbia can make it even easier.
Whether it’s a ride to their next exercise class or help running lines for their next community play, companion care can help seniors in Columbia keep enjoying the activities they love at any age. Our compassionate professional caregivers get to know your loved one on a personal level so they can make every day their best day.
We’d be honored to work with the outstanding seniors in your life. Learn more about companion care and request a consultation here.
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