AARP South Carolina

Perhaps you’re an empty nester. Or maybe you never raised kids but would love to have a grandchild. Either way, you can provide a loving home to a South Carolina child in need of foster care.

By Linda H. Lamb

Every two seconds someone’s identity is stolen. But you can take steps to protect yourself. Join us to fight back against fraud at a free shredding event in South Carolina during May. Please limit your items to three bags or boxes. Shredding services are provided free and open to the public.

AARP South Carolina believes that today, a secure retirement is out of reach for millions of Americans, especially those who work for small businesses. According to the National Institute on Retirement Security, the conservative estimate of the total U.S. retirement savings deficit is $6.8 trillion. Nearly half of workers age fifty and older have less than $25,000 in savings and investments. The average 401(k) account balance in South Carolina is $20,630, ranked 50th worst in the United States.

As a sponsor of the South Carolina State Senior Sports Classic, the AARP state office is encouraging active lifestyles for the 50-plus crowd. More than 30 events for athletes 50 and older will take place May 16-20 on the campus of Francis Marion University in Florence—the only South Carolina site for the National Senior Games Association, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

As the U.S. population ages and people stay healthy and active longer, communities must work to adapt. AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities is a comprehensive approach to helping us prepare for aging communities. The goal of Age Friendly Communities is to increase the number of communities that support healthy aging, which will improve the health, well-being, satisfaction and quality of life for older Americans.

By Holly Fisher

by Lynn Shuler Teague, VP for Issues and Action, League of Women Voters of South Carolina

(This is the third in a series of articles about Free Diabetes Self-Management Education classes in SC.)

In South Carolina, we know what a vital program Medicare is. Almost 900,000 people in South Carolina currently rely on Medicare and more than 980,000 50 - 64 year-olds will be eligible for Medicare in the next 15 years.