What Engagement Really Looks Like in Senior Living Today — From Someone Who’s Lived It

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

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in years of working in senior living, it’s this: today’s older adults aren’t slowing down — they’re craving more. More meaning, more connection, more life. And activities? They’re not just about filling time anymore. They’re about fueling purpose, joy, and individuality. Here’s what engagement should look like — and what I’ve seen actually work.

1. Purpose Over Passivity

Residents don’t just want to be entertained — they want to matter. I remember helping a group of residents launch their own monthly newsletter — written, edited, and designed by them. You could feel the pride they had every time it got printed and passed out. They weren’t just doing something to stay busy — they were contributing to the community. When people have a role, a voice, and something to look forward to, everything changes.

2. Connection is the New Currency

The magic always happens in the moments between people. One of my favorite programs was a “Speed Friending” event we hosted for new residents — tables were filled with laughter, life stories, and a few unexpected dance moves. By the end, strangers were walking out as friends. That sense of belonging? That’s what turns a community into a home.

3. Personalization is Everything

No two residents are the same — so why should our calendars be? I once worked with a 95-year-old woman who had low vision and used a wheelchair, but had a passion for salsa music. We created a seated Latin dance class just for her and invited others to join. Not only did she light up the room, but others who hadn’t participated before finally showed up — because it felt like them. That’s the power of meeting people where they are, and lifting them from there.

So if your calendar’s starting to feel more routine than remarkable, maybe it’s time for a little shake-up. At Heyday Activities & Events, we don’t just create programs — we create purpose, connection, and bold, unforgettable experiences that meet today’s seniors exactly where they are. The fun is real. The twist? That’s where we come in.