Six Middle Tennessee residents over 60 will be honored for community service at AgeWell's 34th annual Sage Awards. The ceremony is Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs.

The honorees are Patty Bearden, Ed Cole, Mike Fussell, Charles Kimbrough Sr., Ruth Mitchell and Brent Poulton, according to AgeWell's event page. The event doubles as a fundraiser for the nonprofit's programs serving older adults across 13 counties.

AgeWell, founded in 1985 and formerly known as the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee, runs a free helpline, a caregiver coaching program and a financial empowerment initiative. The organization fielded more than 1,000 helpline calls in 2025 and provided consultations to more than 400 caregivers, according to AgeWell's website.

Paula Daigle, AgeWell's programs and community engagement director, told WKRN on Monday, Sept. 28, that rising costs and federal funding cuts are squeezing the population the nonprofit serves.

"I think a lot of problems with older adults is a lot of them living on fixed income and Nashville of course is not the city that they grew up in or lived in … The cost of living transportation challenges are always an issue," Daigle said.

The need is growing. The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging reports more than 1.6 million older adults live in the state, a number projected to grow by more than 11% between 2024 and 2034.

Tiffany Mann, AgeWell's elder care coach manager, said many caregivers spend about 24 hours a week helping a loved one on top of other responsibilities. About a fourth give 40 or more hours a week, she said. According to WKRN, up to 70% of caregivers work while also providing care for an aging family member.

Daigle said social isolation is another challenge, and that finding ways for older adults to stay engaged in their communities benefits everyone.

AgeWell's free helpline, (615) 353-4235, is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Ticket and event details for the Sage Awards are available at agewelltn.org/sage-awards-26.