Lt. Governor Bauer Announces Expansion of Senior Wellness Program

(Columbia, S.C.)  Lieutenant Governor André Bauer announced that his Office on Aging will be expanding the Living Well South Carolina program statewide. 

 

The Lieutenant Governor joined with representatives of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at the Capitol Senior Center in Columbia on October 11 to discuss the importance of exercise in the senior community as a part of Columbia Bicycle & Pedestrian Week.

 

“I rode my bicycle here today for two reasons, first it is exercise that I need for rehabilitation in my leg, and second I feel it is important to lead by example,” Bauer said.

 

Living Well Living Well South Carolina is a chronic disease self-management program.  It uses a tested and proven classroom curriculum to teach people suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease how to better manage their conditions at home on a daily basis.  The classes are taught in community settings such as senior centers, churches, or hospitals by trained leaders who are also dealing with chronic diseases themselves.   Since the program was piloted in the Upstate, Pee Dee and Charleston areas earlier this year, 114 individuals have completed the program.  Based on the interest shown in the 15 pilot counties, a goal has been set to take Living Well South Carolina statewide over the next year. 

 

The Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging is in the process of kicking off a new round of walks and other physical activities with seniors across the state to remind South Carolinians of the importance of exercise.  The first of this series will be held October 12 at Winthrop University in Rock Hill. 

 

“Exercise is vital to good health as we grow older, even if you just take a stroll around the yard you are heading in the right direction,” said Bauer. 

 

For more information on senior health, the Living Well South Carolina program or the Lieutenant Governor’s You Can walks visit the Office on Aging website at Uhttp://www.aging.sc.govUT

 

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