At Brookdale Midwestern, you might run into Beverly and Pam, two residents who are now best friends. They met on Beverly's first day, and Beverly was determined that they become friends. "I knew that Pam was going to be my friend whether she wanted to be or not," she says. And it worked! Now, they do everything together.

World War II veteran John Hodges is enjoying his 101st year at Brookdale Staunton. The community celebrated his birthday this week, with his favorite dessert: coconut cake. When asked what advice he would give to the younger generation, John says to always value the little things in life. “Be kind. Be just in your dealings, and for goodness sake, give thanks to the Lord."

First Lieutenant Richard Ulmer was honored at Brookdale Tullahoma for his servig as a U.S. Air Force pilot. Ulmer also contributed to coding during NASA's Apollo Missions. The ceremony was a surprise - as Ulmer was greeted by a crowd of friends and family.

They were high school classmates. Now, they're friends at Brookdale Midland. Joyce Parson and Doris Graham, both 95, spotted each other while eating a meal. “The first day I was here they sat me at the table with her and that’s when I found out -- we knew each other!" Joyce exclaimed. “That’s right, we were amazed that we had gone to school together," added Doris. Now, all these years later, bingo, gospel singing, lunch and bird-watching are just some activities on the docket for these two. And, of course, each other’s company.

Brookdale Troy held a luncheon to honor their seniors on National Senior Citizens Day. “We try to do special events and make it special here for [the residents],” said Gil Heckel, Brookdale Troy's sales manager. Caregiver John Goings gushed about the residents at Brookdale. "They are our second family here."

The CEO Forum Group, a media and marketing company focused exclusively on CEOs, has unveiled its latest list of the "Top 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America" for 2024. CEOs on the list were selected after interviews with Robert Reiss, Forbes contributor and founder and CEO of the forum group, and then criteria-based evaluation and approval by the forum group's editorial board. Brookdale's President and CEO Cindy Baier was selected for the "culture" category. Her story will be featured in an upcoming edition of The CEO Forum magazine.

The Women of Poetry at Brookdale Grandon Farms took a quick break from their poems to share a Wake Up Call for WGAL.

When Shirley McMinn and Mary Wearsler reunited at Brookdale Alliance, they hadn't seen each other in 80 years. In the 1940s, they were majorettes at high school together. "We grew up in the same area, in the north end," Shirley recalls. "It was reassuring to know someone." Although hearing problems may make conversations difficult, the two women sit together for meals and at other activities, noting that Shirley is good at "brain" games, and Mary is the resident artist.

Seniors at Brookdale Chambrel Williamsburg are wrapping up their own Olympics. 10 games over five days, bookended with opening and closing ceremonies. The community's executive director, Joel Abercrombie, says camaraderie is the key to events like these. “The whole idea is friendships first, program second...this was a perfect example of that from the way that it was organized and the way that it was pulled off. It was an opportunity for residents to create lasting friendships."

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."

A much-loved resident of Brookdale Saginaw - Helen Rysse - is celebrating her 103rd birthday. Folks at the community say Helen is known both for her sense of humor - and her wisdom. She shared some of that wisdom with WJRT: "Eat well, sleep well and practice religion."

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.

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.

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."

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.