Vision: Seniors in the Trident Area will experience successful aging as characterized by low risk for chronic disease and related disability, high mental and physical function, and active engagement (productivity through paid employment and/or volunteer work and/or social connectedness) in life.

The achievement of successful aging for the individual approaching and/or transitioning into seniority, (60 and above according to most references, 65 and above in all references) is measured on a continuum and not measured by having arrived at one life spot, or having accomp-lished or accumulated a certain level or amount of “things”.

Achieving successful aging is actually a measure of movement in a positive direction along a continuum of certain criteria; and the further along/up the continuum one is at any given point in time then the more likely it is that the person and others will perceive him/her to be achieving successful aging.

Criteria used to measure positive movement on the “achieving successful aging” continuum, are the following:

• Obtaining and maintaining lowered risk for chronic disease and related disability, and where disease and/or disability exist to manage it effectively in order to minimize impact function and engagement in life.
• Obtaining and maintaining high physical and mental function, including maximizing positive spirituality.
• Becoming and remaining fully engaged in life by maximizing productivity that is characterized by employment, full or part-time, and/or volunteer activity that to the degree possible/desired related to skill and experience, and social connectedness where one gives and receives personal value.

For facts on aging, click here.

For information on Trident United Way's investments in Achieving Successful Aging, click here.

For additional Senior Resources, click here

A new study by Trident United Way and the Riley Institute at the College of Charleston has found that seniors have an annual economic impact of nearly $2 billion, as much as MUSC and the College of Charleston combined.

It also found that seniors in the Lowcountry volunteer in the community at twice the usual rate.

Read the results.