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Hessely outlines Beaufort County '60 and Better' senior program at Buckwalter Recreation Center
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Summary
Beaufort County Parks and Recreation described the '60 and Better' program for residents 60 and older, offering trips, daily hot meals, eight county locations and enrollment through the Lowcountry Council of Governments (phone: 843-473-3990).
Hessely, a Parks and Recreation staff member with Beaufort County’s '60 and Better' program, described the program’s services and how residents can enroll during a segment of Buford County Reports at Buckwalter Recreation Center.
“The program is for able-bodied seniors that are 60 and older,” Hessely said, adding that participants take trips, meet at quarterly gatherings and receive hot meals five days a week, Monday through Friday. She said the program operates at eight locations across the county.
Hessely said the program works closely with the Lowcountry Council of Governments, or LOCOG, which performs screening to determine which services callers qualify for and whether they can join the program. “Their phone number is (843) 473-3990,” she said. Hessely also said the '60 and Better' program is free.
When asked about other Parks and Rec offerings for seniors, Hessely pointed to a senior softball program and said staff welcome suggestions for additional activities. She pushed back on the idea that the program is only a social gathering: “A lot of times people think that we just come and sit together… That’s just not the case,” she said, describing the program’s focus on keeping retirees active and supported in their homes.
The Buckwalter event included health screenings and information on Medicare, Medicaid and hurricane preparedness concentrated in one location so attendees could view multiple services in a single visit. The host noted attendees took part in chair yoga and Zumba earlier in the day.
Hessely thanked the program’s staff and expressed hope the senior offerings will continue to grow. The host closed by thanking Hessely for appearing on the program.
