Question: My grandmother will be 106 years old later this month. While planning how we would celebrate this event, my sister asked if I thought our grandmother was the oldest person in South Carolina. I did some research on the internet and was not able to find out who the oldest living person in South Carolina is. Does the Office on Aging keep up with this information and if so, do you recognize this milestone in some way?

Answer: That is a great question, and one that I have been thinking a great deal about over the last few weeks. Since becoming the head of the Office on Aging, I have been privileged to meet many of our state’s centenarians, and it has been truly interesting to hear the stories they have to share.

These centenarians, through their longevity have experienced many exciting historical milestones in what many have referred to as the American Century. They lived through the great depression, world wars, manned space flights and the landing of the first man on the moon. In addition, they have seen notable advances in science, medicine and the rise of the communications revolution.

One of the challenges we face in determining who the oldest South Carolinian is falls on the fact that the state did not begin issuing birth certificates until July of 1915. To fill these gaps in our records, other documentation such as family Bibles, government or military service records and employment documents will be beneficial.

Therefore, in an effort to answer the question of who the oldest South Carolinian is, I am establishing the South Carolina Centenarian Society to honor the historic birthday of those 100 years and older. While designed to honor and recognize these South Carolinians for their longevity, I also envision the Society as a place for the stories of their lives to be presented.

As a state we should be proud of the many accomplishments of our citizens, especially the longevity of those who have lived rich and productive lives. I look forward to recognizing and honoring our state’s centenarians.

Currently, my plan is to honor members of the South Carolina Centenarian Society with a signed certificate. In addition, society members will be recognized on the Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging web page for their longevity and contributions to the State of South Carolina.

If you or a loved one is approaching the century mark or think you may be the oldest South Carolinian, I hope that you will contact my office and let us know. You can email us at ltgov@scsenate.com or send your information to:

South Carolina Centenarian Society, Office of the Lt. Governor, State House East Wing, P.O. Box142, Columbia, SC 29202