You are invited to participate in a strategic discussion to determine a possible project for the Senior Issues Group to work on in the future. We are looking to develop an initiative that will produce a significant and impactful outcome and build collective capacity across the Upstate.
The purpose of this discussion is to identify a clear and focused goal that we can collectively work toward, utilizing your strengths and resources to achieve success. We look forward to a collaborative and inclusive conversation that will take into consideration the diverse perspectives and expertise that you bring to the table.
The group will explore potential ideas, evaluate their feasibility, and identify the key factors that will contribute to its success.
Please register so we may order lunch appropriately
Following the welcome by Senior Issues Group co-chairs, James Bennett and Vee Daniel, each panelist shared how their organization’s work impacts food security in the Upstate, specifically for seniors.
Brooke Brittain, Associate Director, Food and Nutrition Security, Clemson University, shared information on the Clemson Health Clinic in Walhalla and Clemson mobile clinics that provide breast screening through DHEC’s Best Chance Network, and cardiovascular screening and counseling through the WISEWOMAN program. Clemson worked with Ten at the Top to create an Upstate Food Access Map, as well as other resource maps found here. More information about Clemson’s food security program in Oconee County may be found here.
Jim Abbot of the Pickens County Salvation Army spoke of their part in delivering food from pantries to community centers and churches in Pickens County’s food deserts. The Salvation Army now delivers food for 15 households where the average age is 67 years.
Lesa Howard of 5 Point Church coordinates providing 20-25 pounds of food per person to hundreds of people in the area. As of last week, 274 households were served, including 581 individuals. Lesa also coordinates FoodShare deliveries twice a month with Feed & Seed.
Trish Tripp of Feed & Seed Co. is an expert in foodborne illness advocacy and communication in addition to bringing the Feed & Seed concept to fruition. Feed & Seed’s Food Innovation Hub is a multi-purpose facility in Greenville that serves the Upstate’s resident, farmers, and communities. Join Feed & Seed for their grand opening ribbon-cutting at 10:00am on April 8!
Thank you to our Senior Issues Group sponsors, Upstate Home Care Solutions and the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate, and to Tri-County Technical College in Easley for providing the venue.
• Here to Stay: Home Upkeep for All, a step-by-step guide to help you plan and prepare so that home maintenance is more manageable and affordable | www.aarpfoundation.org/heretostay
Occupational Therapists: Recognize the health and disability issues people face over a lifetime and know how to match the abilities of an individual with needed supports.
• American Occupational Therapy Association | www.AOTA.org : Visit the “Patients and Clients” section.
Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists: Recognize the unique needs of the older adult population and is knowledgeable about aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects and solutions to common barriers.
• National Association of Home Builders | www.NAHB.org and search for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist | or call 800-368-5242
Senior Issues Group Identifying and addressing issues in our aging population Did you know seniors age 60 and above make up over 25% of the Upstate’s population? Considering SC is a top retirement destination, it is important that the Upstate identify and address...
On February 7th, Ten at the Top’s Upstate Senior Issues group reconvened for their first session of the new 2019 Senior Issues Workshop Series.
In September of 2018, the Ten at the Top Senior Issues group convened to discuss goals for 2019. It was determined that moving forward, that this group must be more intentional with their approach to address senior needs collectively. After much conversation, the group decided to move forward with topic-focused meetings that address the top senior needs in our region.
The Appalachian Council of Governments proposed that the group utilize data from their 2018 Senior Needs Assessment, which was conducted in early fall. It was agreed that these topic-focused workshops seek to address the most pressing senior needs that were identified in this assessment. The workshop series will address topics such as food access, transportation, and senior household needs.
The first session was surrounding lifelong learning opportunities in the Upstate. Lifelong learning is an important topic of discussion because studies show that those who are well connected to family, friends, and community are happier and physically healthier, and they live longer than those who are less connected.
Nancy Kennedy from OLLI at Furman led a panel discussion, which included panelists:
Jack Hansen, Author, Speaker, OLLI member
Andrea Smith, Executive Director & CEO, Senior Action
Morgan Jordan, Director, Lifelong Learning at Wofford College
The group engaged in a thoughtful dialogue about lifelong learning and other social engagement opportunities available in the Upstate. They also talked about the challenges of reaching parts of the senior population with these opportunities.
Some of the many opportunities available in these ten counties of the Upstate are:
OLLI@Clemson
OLLI@Furman
Senior Action
Lifelong Learning at Wofford
Lifelong Learning Institute at Anderson University
Lakelands Lifelong Learning Network in Greenwood
Community Centers/Senior Centers in many communities
Those 60 and older can audit courses at no charge at state colleges, universities, and technical schools.
The goal of these discussions is to raise more awareness than ever before of our seniors in the Upstate and the issues they face on a daily basis. The workshop series is sponsored by Upstate Home Care Solutions and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
To get involved or attend a workshop please contact Adelyn Nottingham at: anottingham@tenatthetop.org
Following the welcome by Senior Issues Group co-chairs, James Bennett and Vee Daniel, each panelist shared how their organization’s work impacts food security in the Upstate, specifically for seniors.
AARP
