National Assisted Living Week celebrates ageless adventure

By Amy Reinholds on September 8, 2025 in Events Senior Living

National Assisted Living Week (NALW) kicked off on Sept. 7 this year, recognizing assisted living communities, their residents and caregivers. The annual observance, led by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), encourages assisted living communities around the U.S. to offer events for residents, families and the public.

Here’s what you need to know about NALW, including the meaning, theme and some vibrant examples of our clients’ activities and events.

What is National Assisted Living Week?

Every September, National Assisted Living week begins on Grandparents Day, the first Sunday after Labor Day. NCAL established the week in 1995 to recognize the role of assisted living as a distinctive aspect of long-term care for older Americans and people with disabilities.

The week celebrates the lives of residents and the dedication of caregivers. It also educates the public and raises awareness about assisted living as a compassionate, supportive long term care option. Assisted living communities invite the public to events where they share stories, build relationships and grow understanding. NCAL provides an annual theme, as well as planning guides and promotional materials.

What’s happening at National Assisted Living Week 2025?

This year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week, Sept. 7-13, is “Ageless Adventure,” challenging stereotypes that older adults aren’t interested in growth or new experiences.

NCAL’s website describes the theme as “Ageless Adventure reminds us that the journey never stops, and adventure has no age limit.”

In the announcement for this year’s theme, NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea said that person-centered care supports assisted living residents through their unique ideas of adventure. “There is an inherent desire for experience and adventure no matter what stage of life someone happens to be in.”

Assisted living communities throughout the country are holding events including intergenerational programs, travel-inspired activities, storytelling, nature outings and caregiver appreciation.

How our clients are celebrating

Inspired by the theme, Yardi Senior Living Suite clients are participating with open houses, parties and parades.

Dress to express

Solterra Companies posted a sneak peek on LinkedIn of their “Ageless Adventure Spirit Week.” Each day features a creative theme that encourages residents and staff to dress up and express themselves. Themes include wearing hiking or outdoor gear, tropical vacation outfits and other attire that reflects a significant personal journey in life. The final day’s theme is “dress to impress” for an “ageless celebration” event that day.

Tapas, music, margaritas & Fabio

What better way to jumpstart National Assisted Living Week than with a star-studded open house? On Sept. 6, Aegis Living planned a grand opening of Aegis Living San Rafael with a ribbon cutting, VIP tours, tacos and tapas, margaritas, live music and more. A celebrity “meet and greet” included opportunities for photos with Good Morning America legend Joan Lunden and 1990s romance novel cover model Fabio.

Dream destinations & a motorcycle parade

Carriage Crossing, managed by Gardant, is planning a tour of “dream destinations” at Carriage Crossing of Arcola on Sept. 10. They’re decorating available apartments as vacation adventure spots, part of a public community open house and celebration. During the week, they’ve also planned special events for residents, staff and the public: Wild West Day, Hawaii Day, and Hollywood Day. The party gets rolling on Sept. 8 with a motorcycle parade and a “groovy showdown” for Hippie vs Biker Day.

Join the #NALW discussion

It’s never too late to celebrate assisted living communities and the residents they serve. Join the cause by reading more on National Assisted Living Week. Join in the discussion on social media with #NALW.

To see how our clients are encouraging ageless adventure through resident-centered care every day, read their stories.