Senior Superlatives - Most Likely to Retire on an Island

Here’s where we turn our attention to our community’s more “seasoned” seniors. While the term “senior citizen” has mostly fallen by the wayside in favor of “seniors,” this is the demographic we’re focusing on. Who exactly is a “senior?” We know the designation is based on age, but is there an actual number? Traditionally, the average age at which a person retires from work determined senior status. However, with the way our work culture has changed and the growth of entrepreneurism, this may no longer be the best way to determine it. Not only are there people “retiring” from their careers before they reach their 50s, but also many others who work past the age they become eligible for full government Social Security benefits at 67 and Medicaid at 65. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) provides full membership to anyone age 50 and older. Some restaurants and other venues offer senior discounts starting at age 55, while others say 60+. Even the government bumped their numbers based on increasing work years and life expectancy. It can be rather confusing. A Dell Webb survey found that only 56% of 64-year-olds consider themselves to be “senior citizens” and only 4% of 50-year-olds would say the term applies to them. We’re not going to put any numbers on it, but when we refer to “seniors” herein, we mean people old enough to be eligible for senior services and benefits and who may also be retired.

There’s no doubt that we have our fair share of seniors living on St. Simons Island and more retire here daily. The Golden Isles and St. Simons Island often described using superlatives and ranked among top beach towns and places to live on the coast by popular magazines like Coastal Living, Southern Living, and various travel publications, making it an attractive spot for people to live—especially retirees. According to an October 21 story in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, St. Simons Island was ranked one of only three Georgia cities on a list of the 50 best places to retire on the East Coast, compiled by data analysis website Stacker. The website explained that they used Niche’s 2020 Best Places to Retire (released in 2020) as a guideline and developed a list of what’s important to people thinking about retiring. Those variables include weather, safety, housing expenses and access to places like eateries, golf courses, recreation facilities and health care. Of St. Simons Island’s population of just under 15,000, 15% of the residents are 55-64 and 35% are 65+.

While many of us in our more mature years may cringe at the idea of being considered a “senior,” there are actually some benefits and special services and protections that come with this designation. We’re not going to do a deep dive into Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, but do want to take a look at some other programs and services both nationwide and locally that can be useful to seniors, and then we'll turn to the fun stuff: local social clubs and activities!

Senior Services/Resources

Let’s start with AARP since many of us have been inundated with their mailings and have heard about their discounts. AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how to live as they age. For a nominal annual membership fee, you receive immediate access to discounts, products, and services, including a free subscription to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. In addition to discounts at select hotels, and for car rentals, flights, cruises, and vacation packages, many restaurants offer discounts for AARP members. They off financial tools, health and wellness programs and information, work and job resources, as well as numerous other resources and services that touch almost every aspect of life, from roadside assistance to movie and concert tickets. Honestly, you might be surprised at all of the benefits AARP offers and might save on things you already pay for, like cellphone service and computer virus protection. It’s likely that you’ll easily pay for the cost of your yearly membership simply by taking advantage of a few of their discounts throughout the year. You’re eligible for membership at age 50, so you don’t even have to wait for retirement to join! Learn more and join at aarp.org.

If you’re looking for local and state resources, the best place to start is with the Coastal Georgia Area Agency on Aging. The aim of this organization is to be a “one-stop shop” for assistance. Their vision is that “all seniors, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers residing in Coastal Georgia will have access to information and services that promote physical health, mental well-being, and options for living that ensure personal dignity and individual choice.”

The offer home and community-based services to assist the elderly and people with disabilities to remain in the community and independent. The Coastal AAA Wellness Program provides a host of services for adults 60+, caregivers, and people with disabilities. Individuals can call to request a screening to be placed on the list for caregiver support or to receive other resources in the community. Coastal AAA, in coordination with Georgia Tech, also houses its own assistive technology lab. So whether you’re trying to find supportive home services, caregiver assistance, seeking new assistive technologies, looking for nutrition or transportation solutions, or other issues relating to senior care and services, Coastal AAA can help. Their website also offers helpful information like a GA Benefits Guide, Medicaid Programs brochure, and links to additional resources, like telephone-based care consultation that offers information and coaching to adults with health challenges and their caregivers. Some of these tools may be invaluable for those caring for elderly family members. Visit coastalrc.ga.gov or call 800.580.6860 to speak with a specialist.

If you weren’t aware, Glynn County has a senior center in Brunswick. The Roosevelt Harris, Jr. Senior Citizens Center is located at 2007 I Street. Its stated purpose is to meet the nutritional and respite care needs of senior citizens (and their spouses) in a congregate setting. Their mission is to promote a better quality of life for community seniors. The center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and serves a hot meal daily at 11:30 a.m. They offer leisure and recreational activities, like bingo and group/individual exercise programs, as well as community education programs, health screenings, senior citizen advocacy and computer lab legal assistance through Georgia Legal Services. Adult day care services are available for individuals in need of extensive support, including memory loss, with activities such as music/art therapy, games, holiday events, pet therapy, and exercise programs. For more information and daily meal menu, visit brunswickga.org. The senior center is listed under Neighborhood & Community Services. They can be reached by phone at 912.267.5520.

If you’re seeking services or support for a senior who is struggling with memory impairment, Memory Matters of Glynn in Brunswick can help. Located at 2803 Sherwood Drive, the organization that began in 1994 as Alzheimer’s of Glynn/Brunswick expanded its mission to include all forms of adult onset memory impairment. Their purpose is to support, educate, and enrich the lives of people dealing with memory issues and the people who care for them. They are an invaluable source of information regarding available services and also provide weekly enrichment activities on site, host caregiver support groups, and more. In addition to information about their services and monthly schedule of events, their website at has an excellent resource page that references Alzheimer’s organizations, local home health care agencies, assisted living facilities, elder law practitioners, and more. Visit memorymattersglynn.com.

It may not be pleasant to think about end of life care, but hospice and palliative care services are something important to consider when it comes to services for the elderly. Fortunately, we have Hospice of the Golden Isles. Southeast Georgia’s premier, non-profit hospice provider has been providing expert, compassionate care for patients with advanced illness in our local community since 1980. As a non-profit hospice, they serve all eligible patients, regardless of age, sex, illness, religion, insurance, or ability to pay. They were founded on the belief that each one of us has the right to live out our journey with grace and dignity, free from pain. Their services include: expert, individualized care by an interdisciplinary team which includes a physician, nurse case manager, social worker, chaplain, hospice aides, volunteers and special therapists, as needed; prescription drugs and medical supplies related to the hospice diagnosis; durable medical equipment such as a hospital bed and oxygen; pet therapy; on-call availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; and medical oversight by a full-time, Board-Certified Hospice and Palliative Care physician. They also offer access to services at their Hospice House including short-term inpatient care, respite care, and residential care (based on availability). Comprehensive Bereavement services are offered for anyone in the Golden Isles community who want and needs this special support to deal with grief or loss. They also provide customized care and recognition to military veterans in partnership with We Honor Veterans, a collaborative program with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Extensive information regarding hospice services, palliative care, and support programs offered is available on the website. Visit hospice.me.

On May 16-19, Epworth by the Sea is hosting a 3-Day retreat geared specifically to seniors. “Living Life to the Fullest: An Older Adult Retreat” is sponsored by Magnolia Manor, Georgia United Methodist Foundation, United Methodist Connectional Federal Credit Union, and Epworth by the Sea. This fun, informational, and spiritual retreat will feature author/guest speaker Missy Buchanan and entertainment by hilarious storyteller Andy Offut Irwin, as well as workshops on Financial Planning, Life Planning, and Living Their Legacy, and optional excursions. To register for this special older adult retreat, visit epworthbythesea.org/events.

Social Clubs and Activities

The Golden Isles offer miles of beaches, beautiful parks and paths through the marshes and maritime forest, several area golf courses, museums and historical sites, art galleries, libraries, and abundant places to shop and dine, so there are plentiful activities for seniors to enjoy. Whether you want to throw out a line, learn to knit, hit the pickleball court, or best some youngsters in a game of trivia at a local watering hole, you’ll find these opportunities and more. Here, we’re sharing some clubs, groups, and activities that are popular with our local seniors, but are not exclusively limited to older members of the community.

Especially popular for new retirees on the island is the Island Newcomers Club. Established more than 15 years ago, the Club is open to all new residents of St. Simons Island and Sea Island within two years after becoming full or part-time residents and is available for a maximum of four years. They welcome men and women of all ages, couples, and singles. The Club offers many programs and activities to introduce you to other Newcomers, area businesses and services, and attractions and events to suit a variety of lifestyles. The Club promotes getting acquainted with fellow Newcomers through Meet & Greet events, Island Adventures Trips, and through the smaller groups of its Activity Committees. Their numerous and varied activity committees provide both enrichment through recreation (bowling, golf and more) to coastal education (beach and marsh eco walks, barrier island visits, and more). Members give back through volunteering to assist numerous organizations in the area and by stepping up to answer the call of charitable support of local schools and support-aid agencies. Members can participate in as many or as few activities as they desire. Their Membership Year extends from June 1 to May 31 with most events and the program year beginning in early September. Visit islandnewcomers.org.

The Marshes of Glynn Libraries (which includes the St. Simons Island Public Library in the Casino Building at 530A Beachview Drive and the Brunswick-Glynn County Library on 208 Gloucester Street) have numerous programs for adults including multiple book clubs, Scrabble and chess clubs, yoga, educational programs about Medicare, computer proficiency, and other subjects. For information and calendar, visit moglibraries.org. The St. Simons Literary Guild hosts a film series on St. Simons Island and Meet the Author events. See schedules at litguildssi.org.

The Coastal Georgia Historic Society offers numerous programs, tours, and educational opportunities that are popular with seniors. Many newcomers to the island enjoy taking Buddy Sullivan’s History Course – An Overview of Georgia’s Barrier Islands to learn about their new home. Expert-led history tours, field trips, and the informational Chautauqua Lecture Series are a must for history buffs. Visit coastalgeorgiahistory.org.

Golden Isles Duplicate Bridge Club is located at 114 Skylane Court. They are an ACBL-sanctioned club offering friendly and competitive duplicate contract bridge to players of all levels and welcome anyone to join. They’ll even find you a partner for a game, if needed. You can find their game schedule with times and locations of games on their website at bridgewebs.com/goldenisles.

If Mah Jongg is your thing, you’ll find two versions being played on Jekyll Island: the national version and Jekyll’s own adaptation. Games are played at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. New players are welcome to join either or both groups. Lessons will be provided in the Jekyll Island version prior to membership. Contact Lynne Gross at 912.635.3398 for more information.

Another sport you’ll find played exclusively on Jekyll Island is Croquet. For information about the Jekyll Island Croquet Club, matches, lessons, and open play opportunities, contact John Donohue at 912.635.9150 or jfd9089@gmail.com. Fall and winter lessons in Golf Croquet and Six Wicket Croquet are offered through Jekyll Island Arts Association. jekyllartists.com

If you love to play or want to learn to play one of the fastest growing recreational sports for all ages, the SSI Pickleball Club welcomes you to join them on their home courts in King Park/Mallery Park at 601 Mallery Street. The Club’s mission is to promote, teach, inform and insure that you have a wonderful time at the pickleball courts on St. Simons Island. Visitors are welcome. You do not need to be a Club member to play, courts are owned by Glynn County and are available on a first come -first, served basis.  Reservations are not available. Many local residents and visitors generally gather and play in a "round robin-open play" format from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Mon-Sat. All ages and playing levels are invited. Visit ssipickleball.org.

The Golden Isles Fiberarts Guild has nine interest groups which all meet monthly:  Beading, Embroidery, Felting, Garment Construction, Knitting/Crocheting, Quilting, Rug Hooking, Surface Design and Weaving. Members are welcome to join all groups. The club meets on the first Monday of the month (Oct.-May) at 3:00 p.m. and holds workshops throughout the year. The Guild currently has about 72 members who all enjoy sharing their knowledge, and they welcome beginners to join them. Visit goldenislesfiberartsguild.com.

If you’re interested in art as a new hobby or improving your skills, we encourage you to check out the wide variety of art classes and workshops in painting, pottery, jewelry-making, and more offered through Glynn Visual Arts at glynnvisualarts.org. Anderson Fine Art Gallery sponsors workshops taught by professional artists from across the country who travel to St. Simons Island to help other artists to learn or perfect techniques. These workshops are limited in capacity and fill quickly. For a workshop schedule or more detailed information, visit workshopstsimonsisland.com or call 912.634.8414.

The Glynn County Recreation Department (glynncountry.org) and YMCA of Coastal Georgia (ymcaofcoastalga.org) offer classes that include adult health & fitness and tai chi. You may also find adult education opportunities or programs of interest via College of Coastal Georgia (ccga.edu) or Coastal Pines Technical College (coastalpines.edu). Remember, learning doesn’t end after graduation!