The Family Caregiver Blog

For some people, retirement means slowing down. For Peggy Gaines, it meant finding a new way to serve. After spending 31 years as an educator in the St. Joseph School District, Peggy could have easily settled into a quieter life. Instead, she became a volunteer with the American Red Cross and began a second chapter that would take her from house fires in Northwest Missouri to some of the largest disasters in the country and beyond. Today, Peggy Gaines is the August 2026 recip

At age 77, Ken Rosenauer continues to demonstrate what it truly means to age well—not by slowing down, but by continuing to serve others and make a difference in his community. Ken's impact on Northwest Missouri spans decades. A Vietnam-era Air Force veteran, longtime educator, pastor, community leader, coach, mayor, newspaper owner, Red Cross volunteer, and mentor, he has dedicated much of his life to helping others and strengthening the communities he calls home.

The new year isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about living well right now. For older adults, that means staying active, maintaining independence, and finding community along the way. At Freudenthal, we believe senior health is about more than exercise—it’s about connection, confidence, and quality of life. That’s exactly what Freudenthal Fit Club is all about.