Press Release Details
Somerby of Mount Pleasant Resident Says Giving Back Is In Her Nature
6/2/2009
Today's Older Adults Prove They Are Vital Part of Any Community
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C.: When it comes to staying active, 85-year old Gale Knowland is a prime example. Although she is retired, this Somerby of Mount Pleasant resident is far from inactive when it comes to helping others. Mrs. Knowland moved to the new community last November and is already serving as its Resident Council president. The council serves as a liaison between residents and community leadership. While the council is somewhat new, Knowland believes this is a great way for all of the residents to have their voices heard.
May is Older Americans Month, a time designated by the President to pay tribute to the growing population of seniors 65 and better and their valuable contributions to our culture. According the U.S. Census Bureau, Mrs. Knowland is among the nearly 573,000 South Carolinians in that age category, many of whom are still very engaged and vital in their communities.
“I have never hesitated to get involved, that’s just my nature,” said Knowland. “I like being around other people and working. I find it’s a way to remain very active.”
That drive and commitment to help is noticed by others at Somerby of Mount Pleasant. Mrs. Knowland also has worked with others through her church in helping families with respite care and hospice. It goes even farther on the medical front, Mrs. Knowland is paired with a student with the Medical University of South Carolina’s Senior Mentor Program.
At her new home, she and several others at Somerby have created a flower garden. When not doing that, she might be found in the community fitness center on the stationary bicycle or likely participating in water aerobics in the heated pool.
“Gale is just one of the many residents here at Somerby that steps in to help in a variety of ways,” said Ann Seibel, Somerby of Mount Pleasant director of marketing. “We witness first-hand how older adults, not only here, but throughout the area, volunteer their time and talents. It’s nice to have at least one month set aside to recognize all these active adults do for us.”
And the number of individuals in that age bracket continues to grow. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 65+ population in the United States accounts for nearly 38-million people and will increase to more than 88 million in the next 40 years. People are living longer and healthier lives with a life expectancy of 78.
“I moved to a retirement community because I decided I just didn’t want the burden of caring for my home anymore,” added Knowland. “But, it didn’t take me long once I was here to get right in and volunteer to help put in a garden. Again, just my nature.”