AARP South Carolina

(This is the second in a series of articles about diabetes.)

By Curtis Loftis, South Carolina Treasurer

By Linda H. Lamb

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 in the US.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has an Adult Advocacy Division that protects the health and welfare of elderly, disabled, and vulnerable adults. Adult Protective Services (APS) is part of this Division. The Division coordinates services to individuals who are 18 or older and are the victims of actual or potential abuse, neglect, self-neglect or exploitation.

The brain requires nutrients/food that keeps it functioning. Some of the foods that supply the brain with functional nutrients/foods are as follows:

Open enrollment for health insurance plans available through the Affordable Care Act marketplace runs Nov. 1-Jan. 31, and AARP South Carolina is encouraging consumers to shop around.

The South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program is a state program administered by the SC Office of Regulatory Staff. Also known as AmplifyLife, the purpose of the program is to assist those who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, blind/low vision with hearing loss, or speech impaired, to better communicate over the telephone by offering telecommunications equipment at no charge. The process is simple: you fill out the one page application, have it signed by a professional certifier, attach a copy of a state issued ID and current phone bill, and send it in! The equipment is shipped to the customer and is loaned to that person for as long as they need it.

Did you know South Carolina ranks third lowest in the nation for food security for individuals age 60 and older? Hunger is a condition that is invisible to the naked eye. Many people underestimate the day-to-day struggles of those who are age 65-plus. With the average Social Security check just over $1200 per month, it is hard for many seniors to deal with their monthly expenses and pay for nutritional food.

By Holly Fisher