103-year-old Saginaw centenarian reveals secret to longevity: swiss cheese
Helen Rysse credits swiss cheese to her 103 years of age. "My father was a master Swiss cheese maker from Bavaria," she recalls. "I was born in a cheese factory." Now, Helen lives at Brookdale Saginaw, which celebrated her birthday with balloons, flowers, and cake. And Helen's words of advice for living a long life? "Be the best you can."
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Brookdale Robinwood resident recognized as last living World War II veteran in his county
During World War II, Henry Arrowood served in the Army with the 76th Infantry Division. 80 years later, he's the only living member of the World War II Last Man Club of Gaston County, in North Carolina. Henry was recognized with a botte of whiskey on August 11th - known as "The Spirit of 45 Day". It commemorates the end of World War II.
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“Resident of the Month” wows with beautiful and elaborate flower arrangements
Michael Miller’s passion for flowers continues to bloom at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, VA. Michael has loved flowers his whole life and started working for a florist at just 14 years old while still in school. He now wows fellow residents at Brookdale with beautiful and elaborate flower arrangements for the dining room. To show their appreciation, residents gave Michael over 50 thank-you cards and then awarded him “resident of the month.”
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In sickness and in health: A love story of movie romance
Glen and Marilyn Tranbarger's love story spans 75 years. They met in high school, and Glen popped the question soon after graduation. Their love for one another grew to a family of four soon after. Now, Glen and Marilyn are both 95 years old, but their love is as strong as ever.
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Woodward Estates resident celebrates milestone birthday
Ethel Wright is Brookdale Woodward Estates' newest centenarian. She turned 100 this weekend, complete with a birthday party. And even at 100 years old, Ethel isn't slowing down. "I take life as it comes. I love people. And I love doing things," Ethel says. "I never hope to leave here."
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"This is fantastic": Miniature therapy horse visits Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake
Of all the things residents at Brookdale Hearthstone Moses Lake expected to find in the halls of the assisted living facility, a horse wasn't one of them. Luna, a miniature horse, visited them, wandering through the facility, charming residents. “It makes me wish I had a farm," says Charlotte Cramer, a resident. The horse's owner says miniature horses like Luna can provide therapy, just by being around people.
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Documentary highlights Brookdale Valencia residents who were among the first women to serve in the Navy
At Brookdale Valencia live some of the bravest women of their generation. A new documentary called Route 66 Women highlights how women overcame gender discrimination and segregation. They joined the Navy during World War II as part of the Women Accepted For Volunteer Emergency Service, or WAVES. The documentary was screened at Brookdale Valencia senior living center. Through the film, the women are sharing their stories and history for generations to come.
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Unique Travel Club is helping Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg reach new heights
“Where are we going next?” Linda Austin, who calls Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, home, is leading her fellow residents on an unique worldwide tour as part of her travel club. Through her High-Level Life club, Linda has helped residents experience more than a dozen countries virtually. Linda hopes her fellow seniors enjoy the view from their high level of life.
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Celebrate National Friendship Day with Bobbie and Betty Sue's enduring friendship
At Brookdale Cleveland, Bobbie and Betty Sue are continuing a decades-long friendship. They met 35-years-ago, and learned they have the same birthday! And when Betty Sue moved to Brookdale Cleveland, Bobbie wasn't far behind. "They took me up and there was Betty, the real Betty, and she'd come about two weeks before I did." Now, whatever they're doing - playing bingo, synging hymns, or catching up - they're doing it together.
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Brookdale responds to Tropical Storm Debby
Tropical Storm Debby has made landfall in portions of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. It may impact our communities in the area. Our communities are prepared.
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How Alliance seniors reconnected amid loneliness epidemic
It's only been a few months since Shirley McMinn and Mary Wearsler rekindled their friendship, but some call the pair inseparable. Shirley and Mary grew up in the same part of Alliance, went to the same church, danced, and twirled batons as majorettes in the Alliance High School marching band. Now in their nineties, the two were reunited when Shirley moved into Brookdale Alliance senior living community this spring and discovered Mary lived there, too.
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Brookdale residents and other centenarians share secrets to long life
Just .027 percent of the U.S. population is made up of centenarians. And many of them live at Brookdale communities, including Doris Zahorsky and Mildred Kitchens. Doris notes her secret to not just a long life but a happy one, too, is "to keep busy.” She added, "Stay active and keep moving." Mildred, who served as a social worker and teacher, says “know what you want, find a way to get it, and do not give up,” she said. It's as simple as that. Oh, and “try everything," she added.
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Brookdale Staunton veteran recounts visit to France for D-Day's 80th anniversary
At 100 years old, John Hodges Sr. does not look his age. But in 1943, he joined the Army, fighting in World War II. And 80 years later, he got to fly to France for the anniversary of D-Day. He was greeted with cheers, flags and support from the airport to France and back again. John said it brought him back to his deployments all those years ago. “I couldn't understand them, and they couldn't understand me, but you know a smile goes a long way."
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Meet the Fabulous Four: Widows at Brookdale share the joys of friendship
Anita Korman, Hannah Tannenbaum, Renee Dopkin, and Louise Katz all live at Brookdale Creve Coeur. They often eat meals with one another, play blackjack, sit outside and kibbitz and occasionally go shopping. “My mother used to say,” says Anita, “that a stone should be alone. A person needs people.”
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