Visit Rufus Wilson’s Vantage House apartment, and you’re likely to find kids’ coloring books and paint sets covering part of his dining table. For Rufus, being close to the great-grandchildren who turn his dining area into a temporary art studio is one of the many joys of living at Vantage House.

A decorated veteran of World War II, Rufus was injured while storming the beaches of Saipan and has walked with a cane ever since. But that doesn’t keep the 78-year-old former Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Administration from enjoying the active, independent lifestyle at Vantage House.