Along with a sense of community and meaningful friendships, some Brookdale Senior Living residents also find romantic connections. Kathy Manzi, a widow for 23 years, has found unexpected companionship with fellow widower and Veteran Larry Powell. Together, they have enriched each other's lives by exploring shared passions like dancing and travel.

A 91-year-old Holocaust survivor living at Brookdale University Park is recounting her story. She begs younger generations on International Holocaust Remembrance Day not to forget the horrors of that time.

The River City Children's Choirs are busy learning songs about friendship and love. It's all for a special Valentine's Day performance for the residents of Brookdale Rose Valley Scappoose.

Residents and staff at Brookdale Echelon Lake welcomed local law enforcement for a morning of conversation and camaraderie at its Coffee with a Cop event. Officers mingled with residents, eating donuts and drinking coffee. “It’s a way to give thanks and thank our police officers who support Voorhees Township,” said Annika Raroha, sales manager of Brookdale Echelon Lake. “It was a nice visit. Several officers and detectives attended and chatted with the residents and staff.”

Surrounded by family and fellow residents of Brookdale Jackson Oaks, Claribel Herndon celebrated her 105th birthday. When asked what the secret to longevity of life is, Herndon preached the power of knowledge. "God has been good to me to let me live this long, and I've tried to encourage the young people to learn all they can and go to school," she said.

A tragedy led to an unexpected blessing for one Brookdale resident. Evelyn Rogers moved into Brookdale Altamonte Springs after her home was damaged in a fire in 2023. At the time, she believed the move would be temporary until her home repairs were complete. However, within weeks, the Florida native realized she wanted to stay, stating “This is where I needed to be.”

If you stop by Brookdale Newberg, you may run into Elton and Betty Denner, who have been married for 82 years. And they might share some of their advice for a lifetime of love. "[It's] simple," says the couple's daughter. "Patience, don’t win an argument, do things together, with each other and the Lord."

Sherry Starnes, Executive Director of Brookdale Greeneville, spoke to a local women's club about the assisted-living community and explained the many positive aspects of residing in such a long-term care environment.

Richard and Rhea Butler are celebrating 74 years of marriage. They were childhood sweethearts and starting dating in high school. Foster kids have been an integral part of their lives. Rhea always wanted to be a mother, but, due to fertility issues, she was never able to get pregnant. That didn’t stop the Butlers from taking in and caring for several foster children. They began serving as foster parents in 1972 and have fostered at least 18 children, even officially adopting one of their foster kids.

Kids from a local church in Waco, Texas, spend their Saturday hanging out with residents at Brookdale Lakeshore. "[Their] day becomes monotonous sometimes,” said Heather Gillaspie, Brookdale Lakeshore's Executive Director. “Having these little bright spots just means everything to them.”

After 20 years in the Navy, Courtney Santos’ heart for service led her to a new career, working with seniors. The veteran is now the Resident Engagement Manager at Brookdale Mandarin in Jacksonville, Florida. Courtney says she was “made to serve,” and working with residents is something she loves.

Brookdale is closely monitoring ongoing wildfires in California. We have detailed plans that include arranging transportation for residents, providing temporary accommodations, and providing food and supplies.

Claribel Herndon turned 105 years old at Brookdale Jackson Oaks. The community threw her a special birthday celebration. “We’re very excited to honor her. She is quite the lady and has lived many years and seen many things, many things,” said Amber Storey-Knight, resident programs director at Jackson Oaks.

Clairbel Herndon turned 105 on January 7, 2025. She is a part of just 0.03% of people 100 years or older. She celebrated her birthday with her friends and family at Brookdale Jackson Oaks. Jackson's Mayor, Scott Conger, stopped by to wish her a happy birthday.

Sam Jaquez celebrated his 100th birthday at Brookdale Canton. He served in the military for a good chunk of his life, in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. But Sam's friend say he never talks about his military service. "He is a proud man."