Nearly half century ago, two young people fell for each other at a roller skating rink in Michigan.

From the moment they locked eyes, Jim and Jan Roest knew they were destined to be together. Since their chance meeting, the couple fought disease, tragedy and anguish to remain inseparable. Through the miracle of modern medicine, hard work and determination, the couple remains slightly older, a little more fragile, but as deeply in love as they were years earlier.

Married 47-years ago, the couple relocated to Florida and grew their family. Always active, Jan, now 66, was a mother and full-time nurse. She worked long hard hours, raised three children and was preparing for retirement when tragedy struck.

Eight years ago, Jan suffered several strokes and the couple’s life was forever altered.

“I had to move her into a nursing home,” said Jim. “She needs full time care and can’t even stand on her own.” In fact, Jan’s medical condition was so severe, at one point she could not swallow. Jim, a burly man, had issues of his own. A self-proclaimed couch potato, he suffered from high blood pressure and cholesterol and was in no condition to care for his ailing wife.

Jim decided to take part in Humana’s SilverSneakers® program at Lifestyle Family Fitness’ Clearwater location. SilverSneakers® is a group fitness program exclusively designed for senior citizens. The program is offered through Humana Health Insurance to Medicare-eligible subscribers.

“It got me out of the house, off the couch and helped me to have an active healthy lifestyle,” he said.

Jim proved his dedication through hard work and in 2005 was honored with the Humana Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award designed to honor an individual whose life positively changed through the SilverSneakers® program.

Today, through hard work at Lifestyle Family Fitness, Jim is in good health and better able to care for his wife. Jan is determined to use exercise to improve her mobility. She works with Trish Lewis, Lifestyle Family Fitness certified personal trainer three days a week.

“We work on range of motion as well as improving both lower and upper body strength,” Lewis said. It’s been two years since Jan was able to walk and she is more determined than ever to take that step. “I am going to walk again,” Jan insists.

Though she is confined to a wheelchair, Jan is a popular participant in the SilverSneakers® classes and the couple has befriended many of their classmates. During holidays and birthdays, Jan, a savvy computer enthusiast, creates cards for all to enjoy.

It is her exemplary positive attitude and determination that led Humana and Lifestyle Family Fitness to pay tribute to the couple. On February 13, the couple was honored with a SilverSneakers® luncheon celebrating Jan’s physical improvements and acknowledging her goals which include walking, swimming and overcoming her disabilities to lead a full life.

“Without a doubt, I can safely say Humana has saved my life. Because of their offering of SilverSneakers® at Lifestyle Family Fitness, I was able to avert a direct crash course with a hospital. I have never felt better,” Jim said. And because of exercise Jim says everything has come together for the couple and they remain happy and in love.