My name is Jennifer Smith and I am a 96 year old widow. I live alone, with family checking in on me from time to time. I have seen a lot in my lifetime. One thing a mother should never have to do is bury a child, I have done that. I am blessed to have lived this long; I have seen and experienced so much. You might ask how do I do it or what can you do to live this long?
As you age, things begin to change. I live on a very fixed income and rely on Medicare and Medicaid for my medical expenses. In June of 2000 at the age of 86, I began receiving home delivered meals through the Horry County Council on Aging. I have severe arthritis and poor blood circulation which limits a lot of my daily activities. I still try to maintain my household and do for myself. To see the ripe old age of 96, you need to keep moving which in turn keeps you living; do not wait for someone to do it for you.
However, the one thing I have learned is that I cannot go out and drive to get items and/or food I need. My body does not work the way it used to or the way I want it to. The meals and visits from the Council on Aging has been truly a blessing for me. It helps me with my fixed income. The meals are nutritious and filling for me. The volunteers are a joy when they stop by and deliver my meals.
As long as I can get the meals and remain in my home, that is what I want to do. With the continual help of the Council on Aging, I pray that I can live my remaining days at my home. I appreciate all the support and wonderful meals I have received for many years now. My name is Jennifer and I live united by saying "thank you" to an agency, who receives funding from United Way, for all the support they have given to me!
(Names, Ages and Locations have been changed for privacy reasons)
Horry County Council on Aging (HCCOA)
HCCOA is committed to providing services and programs that afford older people the opportunity to live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own home and community for as long as possible today and in the future. In doing so, HCCOA will utilize innovative approaches to meet those needs of the senior adult population of Horry County. Allow their specialized staff to assess your individual needs and develop a comprehensive service plan for you or a member of your family. Their ultimate goal is to keep you healthy, active, and involved in your community!
