What is the secret to a long life? According to Kathryn Magruder, who is practically an expert on the topic at 106 years of age, the secret to a long life remains, “A glass of Chardonnay nightly.” Magruder’s daughter of the same name said the secret to a long life is community. The younger Kathryn explained, “No matter if Mama says it’s a glass of Chardonnay or a game of duplicate bridge, the truth is: life begins and ends with community.”
And what an amazing community of which these beautiful women have become an integral part. From duplicate bridge in Mount Pleasant to the farmers market at the Isle of Palms Recreation Department, this dynamic mother/daughter duo embraces island life to its fullest.
Opportunities abound not only for the Magruders, but also for the many retirees who call Isle of Palms home. The recreation center offers a plethora of senior-friendly activities, including:
Keenagers social group, a free social gathering for individuals 55 and up that meets the first Wednesday of the month from September through May.- Mahjong open play meets Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday in the lobby or the Tadpole Room and is free to island residents.
Mahjong lessons from beginner to advanced play are available to all. - Bridge Social Club meets Wednesdays at 2 p.m. in the rec center lobby and is free to island residents, drop-ins and island visitors.
Seniors Yoga is the same as traditional yoga, at a slower pace focusing on balance, strength and flexibility. Offered Mondays at 2 p.m.- Over 60 Group Training is a low-impact, total body workout with adaptive moves for most fitness levels.
- Senior Functional & Mobility Fitness is a gentle, low-impact movement class with light weight training. Chairs provided for optional seated exercise and stability.
Reaction Time Training and Fall Prevention focuses on reactive balance training that uses unpredictable movements and cognitive motor training to help improve your ability to quickly respond to a loss of balance.- Line Dancing, a class focusing on fun line dance, brings enjoyment and exercise together.
- Pickleball lessons, which offer beginner clinics focusing on understanding the rules of pickleball and improving your game.
Game room activities, including card games, dominoes, scrabble and more.
In addition to the many activities at the rec department, there are ample opportunities for community engagement through the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, a community service organization serving the Greater Charleston area since 1948. The Exchange Club focuses on programs dedicated to Americanism, youth programs, community service and preventing child abuse. The Exchange Club hosts fundraisers, supports veterans, provides scholarships and manages a waterfront facility on Hamlin Creek.
Wild Dunes, a world-renowned resort facility, offers much for retirees including The Spa at Sweetgrass, a 10,000-square-foot sanctuary with ocean-inspired spa therapies and mindful classes focusing on the restorative beauty of the South Carolina coast. It is also home to the Links and Harbor golf courses. Led by PGA-certified professionals, Wild Dunes golf offers premier instruction through private lessons and programs, all tailored to your specific goals.
The resort offers space for every group to come together, from milestone birthdays and multi-generational reunions to friends’ weekends and special celebrations. With private homes and villas, spacious hotels and countless ways to relax and play, it’s the perfect coastal setting for memorable moments shared across generations.
Another retiree-friendly feature on the island is the newly renovated Isle of Palms Public Dock, located at the Isle of Palms Marina at 50 41st Ave. The public dock is open every day from sunrise to sunset and is free to use. It provides a picturesque spot to launch a kayak or paddle board, fish, read a book, watch the sunset, look for dolphins, soak up the sun or simply relax and enjoy the view.
For those with impaired mobility, the Isle of Palms offers several handicap-accessible beach paths, with the primary, fully ADA-compliant access located at Isle of Palms County Park. The county park features boardwalks, ramps to the sand, beach wheelchairs and accessible amenities. Additional accessible points include Beach Access 34A and locations along Palm Boulevard. Standard and off-road beach wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the county park.
While Kathyrn Magruder and her mother “Mama” enjoy the farmers market and numerous other activities offered to island residents, they also love to travel and especially enjoy visiting family. Kathryn explained, “My fifth grandchild, Mama’s fifth great-grandchild, is due in October. Mama will turn 107 in September. We will be traveling to California to meet the new baby shortly thereafter. It’s all about being part of community, whether that’s your family, your island or beyond. We are all in this together and a good attitude goes a long way.” Indeed it does; more specifically, a good attitude goes exactly 106 years and counting.
By Staff
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