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."

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.

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.

Surrounded by pictures and memories, Emilie Novtony celebrated her 106th birthday. Her secret to a long life? "Treat people like you want to be treated."

Interior designer Amber Clore Morales shares tips on how to stay organized when downsizing your space. She is featured in Brookdale's "Make it Mine" series. You can watch the full episodes on YouTube @BrookdaleLiving.

Emilie Novtony has lived in Wisconsin her entire life. Monday, she celebrated her 106th birthday at Brookdale Middleton Century Avenue. Emilie says there is no other place she would have rather spent a century.

Emilie Novtony has lived through a lot: the Great Depression, World War II, the first Super Bowl, the first steps on the moon...and at 106 years old, she has plenty of advice: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Raymond Kleefisch worked hard to ensure a happy life for his family. A military photographer, then a graphic designer, then a salesman. He has four children, three grandchildren, and, recently, his first great-grandchild. Ray says always be there for your kids, and put family first above all else.