Patched Up!: Ten Years Young: Lowcountry Senior Center Lets Loose

For many in the region, aging gracefully is possible because of the Lowcountry Senior Center. In a move that shows it will never have to replace its hipness, the facility is inviting the community to an outdoor party celebrating the Center’s 10th anniversary.

The event kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 6 on the center's front lawn and will feature an exclusive concert from golden vocal group The Tams that will be sure to get the party started.

The Lowcountry Senior Center is located at 865 Riverland Drive, next to James Island County Park.

The Tams
A special concert by the Tams will help start the groove with their beach-style music. Many seniors will remember the Tams from the 60s and 70s when they hit it big out of Atlanta with such hits such as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool,” “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Untie Me.” The Tams have had two gold records and one platinum single – a perfect group to celebrate the Center’s 10^th anniversary.

That Was Then
The Center opened its doors to the public in May 2002, with a mission to serve adults age 50 and over with education, social events and physical activity. In 2005, the center was honored with two special distinctions: the NuStep Pinnacle Award – a national award for excellence in wellness programming for older adults; and in April 2005, the center became the first in South Carolina to achieve national accreditation by the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). This five-year accreditation represents official recognition that the Lowcountry Senior Center is meeting its mission in a nationally accepted and professional manner. Accreditation was achieved once again in 2010.

In the last decade, the Center has offered approximately 24,000 classes and had 4,500 unduplicated members with Baby Boomers making up 42 percent of that membership.

The Lowcountry Senior Center Today
The Center is the only nationally accredited senior center in South Carolina and is owned by the City of Charleston and managed by Roper St. Francis Healthcare. It serves as a model to new senior centers around the country.

“The Lowcountry Senior Center has offered our older adult community a full array of exciting programming and a beautiful meeting place for the past 10 years,” said Mayor Joe P. Riley, Jr. “With special attention to overall health and wellness, the Center has been able to provide a range of affordable opportunities for social and learning opportunities, which contributes to their high quality of life. I am proud of this partnership which makes the Lowcountry Center function so well.”

Today there are approximately 1,400 members and on an average day, 250 members and guests use the facility.

Nearly one-third of the population in Charleston County is over the age of 50, which is why the Lowcountry Senior Center is increasingly important. Carol Wiggins, a volunteer and dance instructor at the Center says, “You are only as old as you act. This is the youngest that I’ve ever felt. It’s fun. It’s a great place to play.”

Another volunteer and member, Judi Berry says, “The Lowcountry Senior Center is a jewel of a facility.”

Approximately 250 programs and classes are offered at the Center each month, including:  

• Fitness: Yoga, zumba, walking clubs and dancing
• Education: Home and garden, computer technology, brain fitness
• Social and games: Chess, bridge, Scrabble and singles night
• Health and wellness: Blood pressure checks, informational sessions
• Travel: Field trips

Celebration Tickets
Tickets to the anniversary celebration are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance at the Lowcountry Senior Center. Limited tickets are available to members at no charge. The doors will open at 2 p.m. and the Tams will take the stage at 3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers. For more information, call (843) 762-9555.