Feel Good Friday: A 100-year-old shares a simple secret — help others

A centenarian’s steady wisdom: help others

On a quiet weekday morning, the lobby buzz slows when a familiar white-haired volunteer waves someone toward the right elevator and cracks a gentle joke to break the tension. Around Bowling Green, folks like Jerome — who just marked his 100th birthday — remind us that showing up for each other is still the best medicine.

He hasn’t traded in his volunteer badge. Friends and staff who’ve worked beside him say his humor makes the hours feel lighter, and his kindness helps visitors steady their nerves. Decades into service, his routine is simple: greet, listen, and point people where they need to go.

Longevity’s simple secret

Jerome’s outlook on a long life is straightforward: keep waking up with a reason to be useful. He’ll make light of it, but the through line is clear — life feels bigger and better when you’re helping someone else.

That idea has roots here in south-central Kentucky, where community is more practice than slogan. Whether it’s a hospital front desk, a church pantry line, or a game day clean-up near WKU, purpose lives in the places you pitch in.

The human touch matters

You hear the same refrain from people who cross his path: a warm hello, a steady hand with directions, and a moment that felt less scary because someone took time to notice. In a setting where minutes can stretch long, that kind of presence can change the day.

Over the years, his consistency has become a kind of quiet leadership. Newer volunteers follow his lead: learn a few names, stay calm during the lunch rush, and remember that the small courtesies — a smile, eye contact, a "you’re in the right place" — add up.

Lessons for every generation

Jerome doesn’t dress it up as wisdom, but the lesson lands with students and longtime residents alike: service connects you to your neighbors and gives shape to your days. If you’re new to town, it’s also one of the most reliable ways to get to know Bowling Green beyond Fountain Square and campus.

Ask centenarians what keeps them going and you’ll often hear the same themes — routine, purpose, relationships. You don’t need a milestone birthday to try it; you just need a place to start.

Where to pitch in around Bowling Green

If Jerome’s example has you thinking about your own weekly rhythm, there are plenty of local on-ramps:

• Med Center Health (The Medical Center at Bowling Green) — Find current volunteer needs and application details on the system’s website; roles vary by campus and season. Check ahead: requirements and schedules can change. Med Center Health
• TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital — Opportunities typically include front desk support and patient services. Check ahead for orientation dates and background check requirements. TriStar Health
• WKU ALIVE Center for Community Partnerships — A hub connecting students and community members with nonprofits across Warren County. You can browse ongoing projects and short-term events. WKU ALIVE Center
• City of Bowling Green Parks & Recreation — Seasonal help for youth sports, special events, and park projects. Coaching and event roles usually require a quick application. BGKY Parks & Rec
• United Way of Southern Kentucky — A regional directory of volunteer needs from food access to education support; search by interest or time available. United Way of Southern Kentucky

Costs are typically limited to application fees or background checks where required; confirm specifics with each organization.

Simple ways to start this week

• Pick one hour: Choose a weekday morning or lunch break to greet, stock, or sort. Short, consistent shifts are valuable.
• Bring a friend: If you’re new to volunteering, sign up with a roommate or coworker — it’s easier to stick with it together.
• Ask for the unglamorous job: Filing, cleaning, and wayfinding are often what teams need most.

If you prefer a one-off, look for weekend park clean-ups or special events downtown; schedules vary, so check ahead on each site’s calendar.

Closing thoughts

Jerome’s message lands because it’s ordinary and true: life gets better when you make someone else’s day a little easier. In a town that prides itself on showing up — from campus move-in to festival weekends — that’s a tradition worth keeping.

If you’ve been meaning to get involved, consider this your nudge. Pick a place, raise your hand, and see what grows from there.

What to Watch

Fall brings campus service days, holiday drives, and year-end volunteer pushes; organizations will post sign-ups as dates firm up. Keep an eye on the WKU ALIVE Center and United Way calendars for short-term options, and check hospital pages for volunteer orientation windows.