Why Typical Activities Fall Flat (and How We Fix That)

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

Let’s be honest. In a lot of senior living communities, “activities” often just mean... something to fill the calendar.

You know the drill: bingo three times a week, a puzzle table that barely changes, and maybe coloring books for good measure.

But here’s the thing — older adults today? They’ve lived incredible lives. They’re vibrant, wise, full of humor and stories. So why do so many communities still rely on programming that’s… dull, outdated, and disconnected?

As someone who’s worked in this world, I’ve seen it firsthand. And it’s what led me to start Heyday Activities & Events.

Why Typical Activities Miss the Mark

They Lack Purpose: Too many activities are just there to keep folks “busy.” But busy doesn’t mean engaged. Seniors deserve experiences that spark something real — joy, nostalgia, curiosity.

One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work: What energizes a resident in independent living might overwhelm someone in memory care. Tailoring matters. Personalizing engagement matters.

Low Energy = Low Response: If your team is stretched thin or uninspired, that energy trickles down. Residents notice. And many just stop showing up.

No Room for Real Expression: Activities should reflect who your residents are. Their stories. Their humor. Their culture. Their heyday.

How We Do It at Heyday

At Heyday, we’re here to shake things up — with heart, creativity, and real intention.

Signature Events That Actually Excite: Forget passive programming. We create immersive events that blend music, movement, food, games, and storytelling into moments residents (and staff!) rave about.

Engagement by Design, Not Default: Every calendar we create is built to connect, not just occupy time. Each group or 1:1 moment has a goal: spark connection, lift moods, honor identity.

Tailored to Every Level of Living: We design with empathy and flexibility — from high-energy parties for assisted living to gentle sensory experiences for memory care.

Coaching That Empowers Your Team: We don’t believe in handing over a calendar and walking away. We train your team to deliver activities with confidence, creativity, and consistency.

Ready to Ditch Boring?

If you're rocking your prime past 55, it is time for you to sign up to be part of our Heyday Society for free and stay up to date with our local events. And if you work in a community, your residents deserve more than just something to do. They deserve to feel alive, seen, and celebrated — every day.

Let’s reimagine what engagement looks like in your community.

Sign up to the Heyday society here

Book a free discovery call here or check out our services today