Still Showing Up: Championing Healthy Aging During Older Americans Month

Pictured L-R: Ruggero Gigli, Barbara Boeshe, Jim Bergen

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize residents age 65 and older for their contributions, support their independence, and recognize their unparalleled value to our community.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation (VBPR) sat down with three members to get their perspective on staying active, staying connected and healthy aging.

Here are their stories:

Ruggero Gigli, 93 

Born in Florence, Italy · Princess Anne Recreation Center · Member for eight years 

Gigli said he didn't expect to be swimming at 93 years old. When he started working out at Princess Anne Recreation Center in 2017, his routine consisted of the weight room, the recumbent bike and swimming. Due to a knee injury, he had to cut back on the weights but still walks in the pool for 30 minutes each day and rides his stationary bike at home.  

Gigli may have traded the weight room for the pool, but he said his commitment hasn't changed and neither has his appreciation for the people who make Princess Anne rec center feel like home. 

Barbara Boeshe, 85 

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Princess Anne Recreation Center · Member for one year 

At this stage of her life, Boeshe never thought she would be living independently. She is proud to be doing things on her own and taking care of her cat. She said that even though it takes 100 steps to get through the Princess Anne doors, her determination to keep moving is what helps her stay active.  

Eight years ago, Boeshe's mobility was restricted due to two knee replacements and a hip replacement. In 2025, she realized she had to do something to get moving again. That’s when her daughter, Allison, introduced her to Princess Anne Recreation Center. Boeshe has been a dedicated member since. 

Boeshe works out in the weight room three times a week on the Octane seated elliptical for 30 minutes, burns 90 calories, and does a whopping 3.5 miles. Her story is one of determination, heart and the kind of community that makes others want to keep coming back.

Jim Bergen, 86 

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii · Kempsville Recreation Center · Volunteer for two years  

Bergen has been a member of Kempsville Recreation Center for two years. He reached out to his children looking for a way to give back to the community, and Kempsville was happy to welcome him. He now volunteers three times a week, helping out in the weight room and with our Forever Young senior program.

Bergen said he didn't expect to lose his wife so soon, and being able to volunteer and reconnect with the community has really helped him through those times. At the Kempsville Rec, he said he doesn't feel like he is at a job at all. It is like being with family. He has met a lot of great people, had a lot of great experiences, and shared a lot of laughs. 
 
At a time when Bergen needed connection the most, Kempsville Rec provided it in the best way possible, he said, through friendly faces, shared laughter and a community that feels like family.  

Welcoming Community

This Older Americans Month, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is proud to celebrate members such as these three. The rec centers are more than just a place to exercise. They help forge friendships, build routines and allow people to find connection at every stage of life. Programs such as Forever Young help members stay active and stay connected.

If you or someone you know is looking for a welcoming community to be a part of, VBPR would love to have you. Join the VBPR family with a rec center membership or fill out a volunteer interest form.

Learn more about Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation at Parks.VirginiaBeach.gov.

• Forever Young
• Membership
• Volunteer
• Parks & Recreation