10 Senior Stories That Captured Our Hearts in 2016

As 2016 comes to an end, we wanted to reflect on some of the happier stories from the year featuring seniors. Below are some of the top senior stories that captured our hearts this year.

1. Buttery, Flaky Bloopers

Laughter is contagious! It boosts feelings of happiness and helps relieve stress! This couple definitely gives us the giggles during some behind-the-scenes bloopers from a TV commercial.

Both the husband and wife find it challenging to pronounce some of the lines, but their attempts are irresistibly charming.

2. A Dream Come True

At 106 years old, Virginia McLaurin reminds us that it’s never too late for dreams to come true. Since she was young, she dreamt of meeting the first African American president at the White House. This year, her dream finally came true when she had the chance to celebrate Black History Month with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

3. Rapping Granny

This granny has a very unique skill that was revealed to the world at a very unexpected moment! It turns out that 78-year-old Norma Clarke can rap, even during emergency situations. Despite being transported to a hospital after suffering a nosebleed, Clarke surprised her paramedics by performing an impressive rap during her ambulance ride. Despite the situation, Clarke made the best of it by charming those around her with music.

4. Miss Norma

Norma Bauerschmidt, 90, was a courageous woman who had a tough choice to make after being diagnosed with cancer. She had a choice to undergo chemotherapy and move into an assisted living home, or take an adventurous road trip with her family. Ultimately, Bauerschmidt made chose the latter. We followed her throughout her excursions from Mount Rushmore to the Grand Canyon (to name a few). We thank this bold woman for inspiring us to embrace every moment in life. LINK

5. A Couple's Reunion

Earlier this year, a couple was forced to live separately due to different health care needs. A video posted online by their granddaughter went viral as it showed how emotional her grandparents were as they said goodbye before going to different nursing homes. Shortly after the video was released, the couple was reunited to live in the same retirement facility. Watch their sweet reunion.

6. Hospice Patient Knits for the Homeless

Ninety-one-year-old Moorie Boogart may be one of the most unselfish people in the world. Despite battling cancer in a hospice, he finds time to help the homeless by knitting hats for them.

Over the past 15 years, he’s made more than 8,000 hats for those in need. Despite being confined in his room, he’s making a huge difference for so many.

7. Granny Deadweight

A lot of adults find it challenging to lift weights averaging from 5 lbs-15lbs. This grandma shows us just how strong she is, and how important it is not to judge a book by its cover when she successfully lifts a whole lot more.

8. Best Friends Forever

Four-year-old Norah and 82-year-old Dan Peterson recently became fast and inseparable friends. It all started with a grocery trip where Norah began conversing with Dan, and the rest was history. Their friendship is so natural that they continue to stay in touch. The budding friendship has made Dan the happiest he’s been in a long time.

9. Flower Girl Grandmas

One bride and groom asked both of their grandmothers to fulfill a special role in their wedding. The elderly pair complied, teaming up to walk down the aisle as co-flower girls. As if that wasn't special enough, the newlyweds' grandfathers played significant roles too.

10. Best Friends’ Dance

Mary Thompson, 80, and 83-year-old Eleanor Fredriksen became best friends after they meeting in their retirement community in 2014. Earlier this year, the two BFFs impressed their community with their smooth moves to the hit song “Watch Me (Whip/ Nae Nae).


Let us know which happy senior story was your favorite of the year, whether it’s on this list or another story you came across. We’d love to hear from you!