Living Longer, Living Better

Friend, trainer, son-in-law

At age 97, Janet Nakashima’s family isn’t cutting her any slack. Janet’s children were worried she was a little too comfortable.

“We were finding that she was getting a little lazy,” her son-in-law, Randy Kimura, says.

When the wellness director at her retirement community agreed, Janet started hitting the gym. And, Randy offered to help.

"Now she calls me her personal trainer," he says. The bond between the two has grown and brought their whole family closer together.

Watch the video above to see Randy and Janet at work.

As the nation’s leading not-for-profit provider of senior care and services, the Good Samaritan Society has 96 years of experience helping people find meaning and purpose in all stages of life. We can help you, too.

We value your privacy. Your personal information will be kept confidential and will never be sold to third parties. It will only be used for communications related to the services provided by the Good Samaritan Society.

As we age, our relationships with others become more and more important. Studies have shown that loneliness can have a serious affect on a person's health.

But making new friends can be difficult. Health problems such as hearing loss or mobility issues can impede a person's social abilities. Or you may find yourself in a new place, starting a new chapter of your life.

Moving into a senior living community can be a time of great upheaval. But it can also be a blessing for those looking for friendships or a fresh start.

On any given day, you won’t find Jim Meers, 71, at home. That’s because he’s involved in a wide range of activities that help him, and many other retirees, make meaningful connections.

"He’s helping provide opportunities for others to connect. He’s helping folks find their niches,” says Courtney Peeler, sales and marketing director for the community where Jim lives.

A pair of jeans — Eugene and Jean Pageler — have been married 72 years. Their secret? 

Each considers the other their best friend.

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