Aiken Senior Life Services: A Community Treasure for Woodside Residents
Article Courtesy of Kathy English, Julie Brozowski & Deb Petersen
Many Woodside residents are familiar with Aiken Senior Life Services (ASLS), but few realize just how extensive—and valuable—their programs truly are. ASLS is a nonprofit organization serving Aiken County with essential services that promote independence, wellness, and meaningful connection, particularly for older adults.
Transportation That Supports Independence
Transportation is the number one unmet need for seniors nationwide. Locally, ASLS fills that gap with a fleet of 33 vehicles, including 20 ADA-compliant vans, providing safe, reliable transportation for medical appointments and essential shopping, Monday through Friday.
ASLS drivers are ADA- and CPR-certified, drug-tested, and known for their professionalism. In fact, ASLS transportation services hold the highest safety and timeliness ratings in South Carolina among Medicaid providers.
Woodside resident Delores Trupiana shares:
“With Aiken Senior Life Services transportation, my husband and I can get to our medical appointments and still feel independent. The drivers are kind and knowledgeable—I don’t know what we’d do without them.”
To schedule transportation: 803-648-5447 ext. 2220
Please call three days in advance
Meals on Wheels: Nutrition and Connection
ASLS’s Meals on Wheels program delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday, meeting approximately half of their daily nutritional needs.
This program is needs-based, not income-based. After an assessment by a licensed professional, eligible seniors can begin receiving meals as soon as the next day.
Longtime volunteer Buzz Rich, who has delivered meals for 33 years, reflects:
“I quickly learned that our seniors give me more than I could ever give them. Their gratitude enriches my life every single week.”
For information or to volunteer: 803-648-5447 ext. 2270.
Enrichment Programs for All Ages
ASLS offers an impressive range of enrichment programs designed to keep people engaged and active. Since 2022, offerings have included lectures, fitness classes, workshops, and bus tours. New programs—such as health and wellness seminars, technology talks, and culinary arts workshops—are added regularly.
Many programs are free and open to the public.
Executive Director Aimee Hanna explains:
“ASLS is not just for seniors. Our Bingo games attract people of all ages, and our chess club includes players from 17 to 90.”
Program details are available in the ASLS brochure, on their website, and on Facebook and Instagram.
Stay Informed
Residents interested in staying current with ASLS programs and events can sign up for “This Week at Aiken Senior”, a weekly email delivered every Sunday morning.
To receive the weekly newsletter, log on to www.info@aikensenior.org and leave your name and email address.