Making the ‘Golden’ Years Golden

Healthy living at any age

By Jenna-Ley Walls and Jenny Peterson

When you prioritize your health, age is just a number. While the concept of “healthy aging” may have been a trending topic two decades ago, it is now a proven movement both nationally and globally. “Many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach,” states the National Institute on Aging.

Advocates for healthy aging in the Charleston area are using proven activities, both social and physical, supported by the National Institute on Aging and the World Health Organization, that allow seniors to manage their health, live as independently as possible and maintain quality of life.

Franke at Seaside shines with a variety of life enrichment and healthy activities

With deep roots in the Charleston area, Franke at Seaside in Mt. Pleasant has become a top destination for post-retirement living.

Whether you desire a downsized dwelling for independent living with others in a similar stage of life or seek more proactive residential healthcare for you or a loved one, this senior living community is a reputable option that can accommodate your needs.

According to Director of Marketing DeAnne Reed Vane, the significant distinctions that make Franke at Seaside standout from its industry counterparts include its non-profit status, faith-based foundation—as an extension of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina—and unique mission: to promote the well-being of older adults throughout the Palmetto State.

“You might say we see things through a slightly different prism,” Vane said.

But Franke at Seaside is also unmatched in what it offers residents. Often touted as a mecca for amenities and social engagement, there’s no shortage of enjoyable events and activities to engage in both on and off the property.

“The variety of life enrichment and health and wellness activities here at Franke are far too numerous to enumerate,” Vane said.

While the career years may be behind you, it doesn’t mean locking up your skills and talents. At Franke’s, residents are encouraged to utilize them for the good of the community and fellow neighbors.

“Franke residents possess a wide range of life and business experiences and enjoy acting in an advisory capacity to enhance everyday operations,” Vane said.

She also shared that popular activities include a discussion group for current events; arts and writing classes; resident council meetings; an internal newsletter team; downtown Charleston outings and countless others.

Opportunities for recreation, relaxation and other forms of active and passive leisure are at every turn. That’s because to suitably meet its mission of successful service, staff have created a diverse culture of pursuits and pastimes for its young at heart tenants. After all, quality of life is a critical component of senior living, and Franke at Seaside understands this perfectly.

Whether the day demands socialization or solitude, residents can seize the day in their own special way: unwind in the heated pool; snag a fresh haircut at the on-site salon; join a wellness center sweat session; refresh the soul at a worship service; leash up a four-legged friend at the dog park; stroll along a walking trail; or compete in a friendly game of croquet or bocce ball.

Additionally, commercial retail is just a short walk from the site—perfect for a window-shopping date day or visiting a local eatery.

“One of the other unique aspects about Franke is its fantastic location adjacent to The Shoppes at Seaside Farms, a thriving, walkable retail area with dozens of restaurants and shops just steps away from our campus,” Vane said.

However, with Franke’s gourmet cuisine and skilled culinary staff, dining on site is always a satisfactory option.

While most residents at Franke fall into the category of independent living, a small percentage of the population requires assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing support services.

“Assisted living and memory care represent about 15% (of our residential population),” Vane said, “skilled nursing and short-term rehab make up the balance.”

In total, 340 to 350 residents span the various Franke at Seaside facilities. These include 75 free-standing independent living homes; 135 apartments, including month-to-month rentals; 60 assisted living and memory care apartments and 44 skilled nursing and short-term rehab rooms.

“We have something for everyone,” Vane said. It’s never too premature to plan your own post-retirement path. With a variety of care levels offered, Franke makes planning for the Golden Years simple and secure.  

“It’s very important to have a plan for your retirement years in order to avoid placing an undue burden on your family as you age and also you can have full control over what those future decisions look like,” Vane said.

With weekly housekeeping services, landscape maintenance, around-the-clock security, and a number of other residential conveniences, it’s easy to see why so many choose to call Franke “home.”

“We conduct resident surveys each year, and we are always pleased with the results,” Vane said. “Something I hear frequently from newer residents is, ‘I wish we had moved to Franke five years ago!’ Also, ‘Franke really knows how to throw a party,’ and ‘We just adore the Franke staff!’”

You can guarantee staff has residents’ best interests at heart, and meeting their needs is key.

“We’ll even come change your lightbulb or bring your holiday ornaments down from the attic,” Vane said.  

That’s because serving the Franke community is like serving an extended family. With more than two decades with the team, Vane views her role as more than just a job.

“There have been so many wonderful personal memories with residents, their families, friends, and staff,” she said. “What I really love to do is reflect upon the incredible community we have all worked so hard to build. Franke is a very special place.”

If you’re looking for a retirement community with Southern hospitality, a family-friendly atmosphere and luxurious convenience, look no further than this Mt. Pleasant establishment.- Jenna-Ley Walls

Franke at Seaside

1885 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant

843-856-4700

www.frankeatseaside.org

Bishop Gadsden puts wellness at the forefront

The Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community comprises 550 residents of every age and stage of retirement alongside hundreds of compassionate team members. The campus on James Island buzzes with energy as friendly faces, delightful activities, culinary options and social engagements abound.

One of Bishop Gadsden’s unique benefits is that wellness is at the forefront. A wellness team boasts numerous certifications and consistently brings new programming opportunities to the campus, from “Neuroboxing,” which assists residents with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, to focused aquatic programs for those with arthritis, to various classes for strength, balance and flexibility, as well as one-on-one personal training to support individual health needs.

Two on-site clinics—the Helios and the Putman Clinics—hire exceptional physicians from both of the Charleston area’s major hospital systems, MUSC and Roper St. Francis. 

Bishop Gadsden offers outdoor competitive sports, various daily wellness classes, and all the necessary cardio and strength training equipment. An on-site nutritionist, three walkable nature trails, a community garden with elevated beds, a bee sanctuary, and a dog park, along with a robust spiritual program, arts program and an event calendar with renowned speakers, create a lively and engaged community. Additionally, a new center for wellbeing is scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and will continue to revolutionize wellness offerings.

Bishop Gadsden welcomes residents ages 62+ and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of seniors, from an award-winning independent living community, to exceptional assisted living, memory support and skilled care residences to this year, opening its newest independent residences, The Meade.

Along with resident communities, the Christie Rehab Center opened in the fall of 2022 and welcomes everyone—not just Bishop Gadsden residents.

“No longer does one have to be a resident of Bishop Gadsden to experience exceptional health care during short-term rehab needs,” said Kimberly Borts, Vice-President of Mission and Communications with Bishop Gadsden. Christie, a rehab patient, adds, “In this warm and welcoming environment, neighbors become lifelong friends, and team members grow into extended family.” - Jenny Peterson

Bishop Gadsden

1 Bishop Gadsden Way, Charleston

843-762-3300

www.bishopgadsden.org

Lowcountry Yoga offers a path to healthy aging

Lowcountry Yoga is home. Not only is it a yoga studio, it’s a warm and inviting space that welcomes everyone to practice, to connect with themselves and with others in the community.

“We want every single person to have the freedom to discover the benefits of yoga. We all come to class with different physical abilities, different life experiences and stressors. When you take a class at Lowcountry Yoga, there is no pressure to perform. You’re simply invited to discover what your body can do and release what your mind needs to,” said owner Erica Lindquist, a gerontologist who has spent her career creating and implementing strategies to help people age well and live life the way that they want.

Yoga offers a path to healthy aging through natural movement, purpose, stress reduction, moderation and community.

“(Personally), my strength, tone and flexibility has increased enormously.,” Lindquist said. “Mentally, my mind has calmed. I have learned the skills I need to manage stress—to recognize the signs of being overwhelmed before they are all-encompassing.”

Yoga has also been credited with helping to improve digestion, enhance lymphatic system function, improve sleep, balance hormones, improve lung capacity and respiratory health, improve cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, manage pain, improve posture, increase radiance in the skin, enhance sexual health and improve stability and coordination.

“Yoga is about being healthy in your mind and body and becoming who you’re meant to be,” Lindquist said.

Lowcountry Yoga offers a range of class styles, including traditional hatha, vinyasa ‘flow’, yin, strength classes that incorporate Pilates, barre or HIIT movements and combinations with extended meditation, deep stretching and breathwork.

“We all seek yoga for different reasons. However people find us, we welcome them to stay, to grow in and with their bodies, to have a safe space to be themselves and ultimately to become a part of the fabric of our home,” Lindquist said. - Jenny Peterson

Lowcountry Yoga

3500 Park Avenue Boulevard, Suite 102, Mount Pleasant

www.lowcountryyoga.com

@lowcountryyogastudio