The average amount of time spent in the military is roughly six years. Ted Trousdale, at Brookdale Melbourne, served nearly five times that long - for 28 years. It left him with a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and plenty of stories. He served on a submarine during the Korean War - "You have lots of assignments. You've got to sort of learn to develop everything” - and part of the Air American Campaign in Vietnam. "It was highly classified, and we had to wear civilian clothes all the time because we weren't supposed to be in Laos and Cambodia or even Thailand at the time." Ted says he's proud of his 28 years of service. "I'm glad I did it."

Mary Immordino and Beatrice Blondo are two of a dozen kids. Raised in Brooklyn, now the sisters live together at Brookdale Franklin, in Tennessee. And at the community, they are famous for their donuts. "We love to make them, and we love to share them with others."

At Brookdale University Park, Helen Demark celebrated her 108th birthday. Helen says she feels no different than when she was 107, and that she'll still be around when she's 110. Helen also has advice for staying young: drinking wine, eating dessert, and flirting with men who have mustaches.

R.C. might be the kind of dog many overlook: 12 years old, hard of hearing, and blind. But he was exactly the companion Barbara Fontaine needed at Brookdale Cape Coral. Since adopting R.C., Barbara says she's much happier. The two are a perfect pair. "He needed me," Barbara says. "And I needed him more."

Edith Renfrow Smith was born 110 years ago. She's a rare "supercentenarian." Researchers estimate one person in a thousand who reaches age 100 will live to see 110, which makes Edith one in a million. “The Lord gives you the birthdays, and you take ‘em,” says Edith. “You have no choice. Take what you have, make use of it, and be thankful for what you have. Don’t let life pass you by. Remember, this is your life. It’s wonderful to live long enough to enjoy just being here.”

What's the secret to a long, healthy life? For Rosa Facciuto at Brookdale West Seattle, it's to be happy, maintain friendships and keep active. "You don't find anything at home. You don't see anything or learn anything. You've got to get out and be around people."

Hurricane Beryl has the potential to hit southern Texas. It may impact Brookdale communities in the Corpus Christi and Houston areas. Our communities are prepared.

For 84-year-old Sandra Parker, photographs are not the only thing she has of her once in a lifetime experience. It's the Olympic torch, hanging in her room at Brookdale Carrollton. In 1996, she helped carry the Olympic torch through Utah on its way to the Atlanta Games. "I thought, I'm just an ordinary grandma and to think that I would be chosen just made me very, very, very happy," Sandra says.

The summer of 1996 was a special one for Sandy Parker. She took part in the torch relay, carrying the Olympic flame through part of Utah. "This was a wonderful, wonderful thing, running the torch, and getting it a little closer to Atlanta." Now, her torch hangs in her room at Brookdale Carrollton.

At Brookdale Franklin, Sylvia Mooney doesn't crochet with yarn. She uses plastic bags, weaving them into mats. And she's made 128 of them! She gives them out to the homeless. But Sylvia has her own challenges - she's legally blind. "A great many people look at the elderly as those who need help. [But] we still have something to offer. I'm pleased about that. This is something I can give to those in need."

Clara Richardson, of Salisbury, North Carolina, is Brookdale Salisbury's newest 100-year-old resident. She was born on June 29th, 1924, in the same town she still lives in. Clara taught elementary school for several years. "They were very nice children and I enjoyed being with them," she recalls. But Clara taught more than students. She passed life lessons on to her family. Lessons like “praise God", along with “just be good” and “listen to your parents”.

Clara Richardson was born in Salisbury on June 29th, 1924. And 100 years later, she is celebrating her birthday in the same town. With a century of life behind her, her advice to growing old is simple: "Be careful how you do things."

To raise money for Alzheimer's awareness, Brookdale Highlands hosted "Laugh All Day" - an event with local comedians. The organizer set it up to celebrate the life and infectious laugh of her late aunt, who died of Corticobasal Syndrome, a rare form of Alzheimer's.

Maria Skepple moved to the United States in 1985. Later, she found her first job at the only company in the United States she’s ever worked for: Brookdale Senior Living. Maria has now been with Brookdale for 32 years and serves as the Housekeeping Director at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg.

Brookdale is hiring a gerontologist - someone who studies mental, physical, and social changes in the older population. The job will play a "pivotal role" in incorporating evidence-based practices into care delivery. "This position will help connect clinical expertise and senior living, enhancing the overall strategic approach to resident well-being," says Kim Elliott, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer.