An 85-year-old resident discovers watercolor painting, watching in wonder as colors blend on paper for the first time. Down the hall, a former world traveler captivates a small group with stories of distant places while they plan an imaginary trip to Paris together. These moments capture the spirit of National Assisted Living Week® (NALW), happening September 7–13, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Ageless Adventure,” reminds us that curiosity doesn’t come with an expiration date. Adventure lives in every small discovery, every shared laugh, and every new connection made.
What Makes This Week Special?
Since 1995, the National Center for Assisted Living (1) has dedicated the second full week of September to celebrating something important: the vibrant communities where older adults don’t just live—they thrive. It’s a time to shine a spotlight on residents who bring decades of wisdom and stories, and the dedicated caregivers who help create homes filled with purpose.
NALW isn’t just about assisted living as an industry. It’s about recognizing that life’s richest chapters often come later, when we have time to savor experiences and connect more deeply with others.
Adventure Looks Different for Everyone
The beauty of “Ageless Adventure” is that it meets people where they are. Adventure might mean:
- A resident teaching others how to make their grandmother’s famous apple pie
- Organizing a friendly debate about the best music from the 1960s
- Creating a community garden where everyone contributes their favorite herbs
- Hosting a “travel day” where residents share photos and stories from places they’ve been
These aren’t just activities—they’re opportunities for residents to be teachers, storytellers, and explorers all over again.
Bringing Communities Together
The most memorable NALW celebrations happen when everyone gets involved. Many communities open their doors wider during this week, inviting families for special lunches or hosting neighborhood events. Local schools sometimes partner with assisted living communities, creating those beautiful intergenerational moments where a teenager learns about life in the 1950s while teaching a resident how to use a smartphone.
Music performances—whether by visiting artists or talented residents—often become the week’s highlights. There’s something magical about a community coming together to enjoy live music, with some residents humming along to songs that take them back decades.
Outdoor activities work especially well for the adventure theme. Garden tours let residents show off plants they’ve tended, while courtyard picnics create casual spaces for conversation. Even simple nature walks can become adventures when residents share what they know about local birds or point out seasonal changes they’ve observed.
Honoring the Heart of These Communities
Behind every successful assisted living community are caregivers who do more than just their jobs—they become trusted companions, cheerleaders, and sometimes the family members who live closest by. NALW provides a perfect opportunity to recognize these essential team members.
Recognition doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes the most meaningful gestures are handwritten thank-you notes from residents or a simple staff appreciation lunch. What matters is acknowledging that caregiving is both a profession and a calling.
Making It Happen: Planning That Works
Successful NALW celebrations start by asking residents what kinds of adventures appeal to them. Some communities form planning committees that include residents, staff, and family members—ensuring events reflect what people want to do.
The National Center for Assisted Living provides helpful resources, including planning guides and promotional materials that communities can customize. Starting early helps but so does staying flexible. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones that happen spontaneously.
Social media has become a wonderful way to share NALW highlights. Photos of residents engaged in activities or short videos of cooking demonstrations help families stay connected and show the broader community what assisted living really looks like—vibrant, engaged, and full of life.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In a world that often focuses on what people can’t do as they age, NALW flips the script. It celebrates capability, wisdom, and the continued capacity for joy and growth. It reminds us that assisted living communities aren’t endpoints—they’re places where new chapters begin.
For families navigating care decisions, seeing their loved ones engaged in meaningful activities provides reassurance. For residents, these celebrations reinforce that their stories matter, and their contributions are valued.
When communities approach NALW with genuine enthusiasm and resident-centered planning, something special happens. Events become experiences, activities become adventures and assisted living becomes what it was always meant to be—a place where people continue to live fully, just with a little extra support.
About Trustwell Living
At Trustwell Living, we believe in Family Caring for Family. Our communities celebrate not just during NALW, but every day, creating spaces where residents can continue their life adventures with dignity, purpose, and joy. Contact your local Trustwell community to learn more about how we support independence and meaningful connections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. It’s recommended to consult with a medical, legal, or financial professional for your specific circumstances.
References: (1) “National Assisted Living Week, by the National Center for Assisted Living on https://www.ahcancal.org/
