Aging Well at 84: Jerry Harrington's Journey of Friendship, Adventure, and New Beginnings
Freudenthal Aging Well Award Recipient | October 2026
At 84 years old, Jerry Harrington has traveled across the country, built businesses, enjoyed a successful career in real estate, and ridden approximately 160,000 miles on a bicycle.
But perhaps one of his most meaningful adventures began when he returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, and discovered that even after a lifetime of experiences, there are still new friendships to make and opportunities to help others.
Jerry is the latest recipient of the Freudenthal Aging Well Award, recognizing older adults who make a positive difference in their communities and demonstrate that aging well is about much more than the number of candles on a birthday cake.
A Lifetime of Adventure
Born and raised on a farm, Jerry began his professional career with Ralston Purina. His work took him from St. Joseph to Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and eventually California. Along the way, Jerry and his wife, Jona, built a life together that included owning an office supply store and copy center in Encinitas, California, for 15 years.
Later, the couple began another adventure when Jona earned her real estate license. Jerry eventually followed her into the business, and the two spent approximately 15 years working as real estate agents.
After decades in California, the couple returned to Missouri in 2021 to be closer to family as Jona experienced health challenges. Sadly, Jona passed away in 2024 after 52 years of marriage. For Jerry, the loss marked the beginning of another major life transition.
Finding Friendship in Unexpected Places
After his wife's passing, Jerry began considering whether maintaining his home was still the right choice. That decision introduced him to St. Joseph real estate agent Elishia Carrillo.
What began as a conversation about selling his home developed into a friendship and partnership that would eventually help other older adults facing similar decisions. With Jerry's decades of real estate experience, he became a valuable mentor to Elishia, offering professional insight and guidance as she worked with seniors and their families.
"Jerry has made a meaningful difference in my work with older adults by generously sharing his time, experience, and guidance"
"Jerry has made a meaningful difference in my work with older adults by generously sharing his time, experience, and guidance," Elishia wrote in her nomination. But their partnership soon grew beyond real estate advice.
Just Looking: Exploring Senior Living, One Adventure at a Time
Jerry's friendship with Elishia has grown into something neither of them necessarily expected: a video series helping older adults explore senior living communities before making important decisions about their future.
Their series, Just Looking, takes viewers along as they visit senior living facilities, ask questions, compare amenities, and share their impressions. In one episode, the pair visits Corby Place in St. Joseph, Missouri, where they explore everything from apartment sizes and meal options to transportation, housekeeping, and monthly costs.
Jerry brings a particularly valuable perspective to these conversations. Having already made the transition from homeownership to senior living, he understands the questions and uncertainties that can accompany such a decision. And he isn't afraid to share his opinions!
During their visit, Jerry admits he was pleasantly surprised by the community. But in typical Jerry fashion, he also finds something to joke about: waiting for all the old people to use the elevator. At 84, Jerry clearly doesn't count himself among them!
Behind the laughter is something meaningful. By sharing these experiences, Jerry and Elishia are helping older adults and their families become more comfortable exploring senior living options.
For someone who may be hesitant to schedule a tour or unsure what questions to ask, their videos offer an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. And sometimes, a little humor makes a difficult conversation easier.
160,000 Miles of Determination
Long before his Just Looking adventures, Jerry discovered another passion: bicycling.
At age 60, he and two friends decided to take up cycling.
After a little more than a year of riding, they tackled RAGBRAI, the famous seven-day bicycle ride across Iowa, covering more than 500 miles. Jerry didn't stop there.
He completed RAGBRAI three times and estimates that he rode approximately 160,000 miles before retiring from cycling. Although he no longer rides, his remarkable cycling history reflects a willingness to embrace new challenges, even later in life.
And Jerry hasn't lost his adventurous spirit.
A New Companion and a New Chapter
Today, Jerry enjoys life at Buckingham Senior Living, where he's found new routines, friendships, and recently, a four-legged companion. After repeatedly joking with another resident that he was going to steal her dog, Jerry was surprised when she offered to give him the little pup.
Now, his days include walks, feeding his new companion, and enjoying the responsibility that comes with having a pet again. He also continues his outings with Elishia, exploring senior living options and helping others learn about the choices available to them.
Throughout his interview, Jerry's quick wit and playful personality were impossible to miss. He even joked that the only problem with his senior living community was that everyone there was old. "Not me, but everybody else is old," he laughed.
"Not me, but everybody else is old!"
It's that sense of humor, combined with his willingness to share his experiences, that makes Jerry's story so memorable.
Celebrating What It Means to Age Well
When Elishia nominated Jerry for the Freudenthal Aging Well Award, she recognized more than his impressive accomplishments. She recognized his willingness to help. "His support has strengthened my ability to serve seniors with greater understanding and confidence," she wrote. Jerry's story reminds us that aging well doesn't mean life stays the same.
It means finding ways to adapt when circumstances change, maintaining meaningful relationships, and remaining open to new experiences. Sometimes that means riding a bicycle across Iowa. Sometimes it means helping someone navigate an important decision. And sometimes it means welcoming a little dog into your life.
Congratulations, Jerry Harrington, on receiving the Freudenthal Aging Well Award!
Thank you for reminding us that a life well lived is filled with friendship, laughter, and opportunities to make a difference.
Do you know an older adult who inspires others through kindness, perseverance, community involvement, or a positive approach to aging?
Freudenthal Home-Based Healthcare wants to recognize the remarkable seniors who make our communities better.
Visit our Aging Well Awards page at FreudenthalHH.com to learn more and nominate someone deserving of recognition.
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