From "Just Activities" to Experiences That Matter

By Monica B., CEO of FUN at Heyday Activities & Events

My experience working in senior living taught me something early on:

having a packed calendar didn’t always mean people were truly engaged.

Just because something was scheduled didn’t mean it mattered to the people sitting in the room. Sometimes, activities were just... activities — a way to pass the time.

And you could feel it. The energy wasn’t there. The spark was missing and honestly, I couldn’t ignore it. It didn’t feel right to me — and it didn’t feel good for the residents.

I’ve always believed that older adults deserve more than just something to pass the time.

I often ask myself: If my mom or dad were living in this community, would they be excited to join this activity? Would my grandparents feel connected and happy here?

They deserve experiences that make them feel alive, valued, and proud of who they are.

One event that really stayed with me was a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration I planned.

It wasn’t just another party — it became a moment of real connection. My team and I brought in a live band, filled the room with color and music, and created an energy that pulled everyone in — residents, staff, families. People danced, laughed, and celebrated together, no matter their age, ability or level of care. For 90 minutes, you could see it on their faces — they weren’t just attending an activity. They were living.

That feeling is why I started Heyday Activities & Events. Not to run events. Not to put more things on a calendar. But to create moments that matter. Moments that people remember.

Moments that remind us all — we’re still here, still connected, still capable of joy.

It’s not about being perfect or flashy. It’s about caring enough to make it real. That’s the heart of everything I do. Because everyone deserves to live in their heyday — not just remember it.