Local Woman Wins “Gifts of Aging” Award

National Aging in Place Week was created as a way to bring attention to the growing population of older adults. Events around the country were  held to help raise awareness of the aging in place movement and ability for seniors to remain in their chosen residence for as long as possible. To celebrate National Aging in Place Week locally, the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition (SCAIPC) chose to host the “Gifts of Aging” event as a way to spotlight the many contributions older adults bring to the Charleston community. The event was held Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Founders Hall at Charles Towne Landing in West Ashley.
“This event celebrates how older adults have such a positive impact on our community and the lives they touch,” said Kelley Hallman, SCAIPC event chairwoman. “This event allows us to show them off to the community and to show our gratitude. It’s truly an honor to be a part of making this event come to life.”
Marty Bell, Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council in Washington, D.C., was on hand to help present the awards and speak about the national aging in place movement. According to the Administration on Aging, persons 65 and older represent about one in eight Americans or about 40 million people. That number is expected to swell to 72.1 million older adults by 2030, doubling the number from 2000.
West Ashley resident Jan Harmon, one of the Founders of “West Ashley Senior Village,” was honored with the “Gifts of Aging” Award. The first “Village in Development” in the Charleston area, Harmon’s vision exemplifies the spirit of the Aging In Place movement.
Founded in 2003, the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition is a local nonprofit agency comprised of businesses and organizations that support people as they prepare to remain in their chosen residence – independently, comfortably and safely. The coalition’s key initiatives are education, transportation and outreach. For more information,
visit www.scaipc.org.