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This page has information for volunteers and legislators about our agency’s mission and programs. To find local organizations with these kinds of programs, please visit our resource site GetCareSC.com.
About
Title III-D of the Older Americans Act provides funds to South Carolina based on the share of the population aged 60 and over for programs that support healthy lifestyles and promote healthy behaviors. Evidenced-based disease prevention and health promotion programs (EBPs) are proven ways to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. They are based on research and provide documented health benefits.
Each decade, the percentage of older individuals in the population has increased and continues to increase. As a result, chronic disease and falls have increased and are now the leading causes of death and disability among older Americans. In South Carolina, the leading causes of death for those aged 65+ included heart disease, stroke, diabetes and accidents (fall related deaths included).
Through EBPs, chronic disease and falls are highly preventable. They can assist with improving health behaviors, health and functional status, and reduce use of hospital services and emergency room visits. Healthy aging reduces healthcare costs and increases quality of life for older adults.
Successes
In fiscal year 2022, over 6,517 classes for various EBP were offered for seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout the state of South Carolina.
The evidence-based programs were implemented in various settings across the state including: councils on aging, senior centers, meal sites, churches, county parks and recreation centers, community centers, town halls, and even virtual based programs, etc. Most of these sites offered a program more than once and many offered more than one program.
How can I get involved?
We are always happy to have more volunteers and participation from community-based organizations. If you'd like to become a trainer, or if you're an organization looking to implement an EBP, please contact the South Carolina Department on Aging at 803-734-9900.
Volunteers/Trainers
All evidence-based programs are translated into practical, effective community-based programs. If you decide to become a trainer for one of the programs, you will receive a packaged program with a variety of supportive materials, including implementation manuals and specialized training. As a result, the program’s content and fidelity will be consistent in all settings, and it will be easy to deliver. The links below take you directly to the program website; however, many of these trainings are offered in South Carolina. Contact our office for more information.
Example programs include:
- Bingocize – improve and/or maintain mobility and independence, learn and use health information focused on falls reduction, improved nutrition, and other health-related behaviors, engage older adults in social settings
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) - focuses on disease management skills, decision making, problem-solving and action planning
- A Matter of Balance – reduces fall risk and fear of falling
- National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) - focuses on healthy eating and physical activity for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- EnhanceFitness – group exercise falls prevention program
- Tai Chi for Arthritis – improves movement, strength, flexibility, relaxation, pain and falls reduction
- Walk with Ease – reduction of pain and discomfort from arthritis, increased balance and strength
- Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less - online weight management program
Community Partnerships
Equally important, community organizations, hospitals, universities, and health care entities can partner to implement EBPs. Making community-clinical linkages is integral to promoting good health and reducing disease and disability.
Community-based organizations (CBOs) can be important partners in providing the resources necessary to deliver evidence-based programs to older individuals. Given their accessibility, affordability, and familiarity, CBOs (such as senior centers) provide a unique platform for reaching and engaging seniors. Unfortunately, in most communities, CBOs are not integrated into the health care delivery system. As health care payers and providers increasingly look to partner with community-based organizations (CBOs) to improve the care of their patients and lower their costs, evidence-based health and wellness promotion programs (EBPs) can be a vehicle to achieve some of these goals. CBOs and health care providers need to begin to partner, have staff trained and offer evidence-based programs in their community to improve the lives of their seniors and adults with disabilities.