A one-story brick building with four towering white pillars serves as a welcome sight for newcomers seeking fun and companionship from fellow seniors. The Whitley County Senior Center in downtown Williamsburg is serving 30 members, some of whom are in their 90s.

Center members often move slowly, but their enthusiasm is infectious. One of the most vivacious seniors is Marilyn Smith, 78. She enjoys meeting her friends for lunch to talk about the weather and important topics of the day. She often wears a wide-brimmed hat and is careful to reapply her lipstick often, asking others, “Have I got my lips?”

Marilyn drives a beloved yellow truck she refuses to give up despite multiple attempts by her loved ones to get a car they feel is more suitable for her age. She also is committed to her faith, and describes it as a source of comfort that helps her keep a youthful attitude. “Worrying is a sin; you cannot worry about what you can’t control," says Marilyn, whose son has had cancer three times. "There are things I could make myself sick about." But she retains her faith in God.

“You think about the people that have been in the floods and have lost everything. A lot of them don’t have access to water or food," Marilyn says. "You've just got to be grateful."
“Marilyn keeps herself active," says Virginia Hayes, the center's director. "She’s involved in church activities. I really think she will live a long time because she has a community.”
Among the members' favorite activities is singing hymns, and Marilyn often accompanies them on the piano. They huddle around as Marilyn plays and sings, and the room is filled with a sense of unity as they harmonize.

A senior center is often seen as a place for quiet or rest, but this one is full of youthfulness and joy. Through daily activities, shared laughter, and meaningful connections, the members embody a vitality that transcends age and serves as a reminder that youth is not defined by age, but by a young spirit.