[Updated: December 30, 2025 | Published: October 27, 2025]
Active Aging Week 2025 took Residents on a coast-to-coast journey of discovery — from painted Cadillacs to dance-floor moves and casino-night cheers. For five unforgettable days, our campus filled with music, laughter and the thrill of the open road, all without packing a single suitcase.
Our Wellness and Community Engagement teams put together a week full of hands-on experiences and spontaneous fun. Each virtual stop along the historic route helped us embrace the spirit of active aging through stories, shared experiences and entertainment.
Monday: Revving Our Engines
We kicked off our journey with a Route 66-themed Jeopardy game that brought out everyone’s competitive edge as associates and Residents teamed up to test their knowledge. The match ended in a spirited tie!
Out on the Legacy Patio, Residents grabbed spray paint cans to create our own version of Cadillac Ranch, the famous public art installation and sculpture in Amarillo, Texas.
Later, we welcomed Route 66 historian Jim Hinckley for an engaging virtual talk, followed by an afternoon tasting of nostalgic sodas during our Old Fashioned Soda Flight in the Muirfield Room.
Tuesday: Tracing the Roots of Route 66 in the Prairie State
Rain couldn’t dampen our spirits as we began the day with a throwback to the golden age of roadside diners. The morning kicked off with an Old Diner Breakfast, where Residents enjoyed classic comfort food, hot coffee and plenty of lively conversation.
Next, Residents charted their own course: some stayed indoors to explore the history of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue and its Magnificent Mile, while others braved the drizzle for a brisk one-mile walk around campus.
By afternoon, it was time to slow the pace and share the ride. Readings from the Road brought Residents together for a storytelling session filled with personal reflections, favorite road trip memories and well-earned laughs.
No visit to Illinois would be complete without Chicago-style deep-dish pizza! With bellies full, we ended our day with a screening of the hit musical Chicago.
Wednesday: Celebrating St. Louis Style
We greeted the day with a Broadway-style dance class. Some Residents stayed seated while others stood and followed along with spontaneous smiles and belly laughs. Later, everyone gathered for a virtual presentation about The MUNY, the nation’s oldest outdoor musical theater.
In the afternoon, Chaplain Fred Arzola led a relaxed discussion in which Residents shared stories and reflections inspired by Route 66 and their individual journeys. Another round of Cadillac Ranch painting added fresh layers of creativity before Residents headed out for cocktails and cigars on the patio.
The evening wrapped up with a crowd favorite: Riverboat Casino Night. The Muirfield Room transformed into a gambler’s paradise, complete with table games, a human slot machine and prize raffles. Since no real money was used, the stakes felt thrilling but carefree, with wild betting, big cheers and lots of lucky streaks.
Across the hall, the Legacy Dining Room thrummed with live music and the aromas of a delicious barbecue dinner.
Thursday: Deep in the Heart of Texas
We stretched into Thursday with a Pilates class before diving into Southwest-inspired coaster painting led by Stacey Besst. Residents turned simple clay discs into beautiful works of art reflecting regional patterns or their own unique designs.
Then came a true showstopper. Residents gathered under sunny skies for a performance by David Cain, a 16-time world champion juggler and holder of a Guinness World Record. With incredible skill, he wowed the crowd of more than 150 Residents and Associates through a whirlwind of rope tricks, juggling and daring sword-balancing feats that drew cheers and applause at every turn.
But the fun didn’t stop there. David invited Residents to try their hand at lassoing, offering step-by-step lessons for anyone willing to give it a twirl. He even taught some of us how to lasso our “orange stationary calves.”
Hats tipped, ropes flew and a few surprise natural cowboys and cowgirls emerged. One Resident even stole the show with a picture-perfect loop.
The evening wrapped with a showing of John Ford’s classic Western, Stagecoach, featuring a young John Wayne. Popcorn and Johnny Cash music added to the nostalgia.
Friday: The End of the Road
We capped off the week with one last dance class, where Residents stepped into the spotlight to learn the routine our Associates had performed during the opening ceremony. With guidance from our Wellness team and plenty of encouragement, they moved through the choreography together — laughing, clapping and cheering one another on. By the final run-through, the room was full of energy and applause.
As we might have said back in the day, our final activity was a gas! The front parking lot transformed into a showcase of automotive history for our Chrome & Cotton Candy Car Show, the grand finale of our Route 66 journey.
From sleek Rolls-Royces and vintage Cadillacs to colorful Stingrays and classic Corvettes, the lineup stopped everyone in their tracks. Rows of shining chrome drew Residents, associates and families into conversations about favorite models and memories. Some snapped photos. Others swapped trivia about V8 engines and vintage interiors.
Just beyond the cars, the atmosphere turned festive. A pop-up carnival brought back memories of state fairs and summer festivals, complete with games, cotton candy and a picnic lunch served under a bright October sky. Laughter echoed across the lawn as Residents tested their aim, tried their luck, and soaked in every moment of this unforgettable day.
The Ride of a Lifetime
In just one week, we danced, painted, played, laughed and learned together. Active Aging Week became a milestone worth celebrating — and a reflection of the vibrant, engaged lifestyle our Residents live every day at Friendship Village of Dublin.
A heartfelt thank-you to our Wellness and Community Life team, whose creativity and effort made every mile of this journey count. Whether our next adventure takes us across the globe or just across the street, we’ll carry the spirit of Active Aging Week with us all year long.
Born to be Wild: Active Aging Week 2025 Recap
Five days. Dozens of memories. One incredible journey. Watch the highlights from our Route 66-inspired Active Aging Week.
Before Route 66: Highlights from Previous Active Aging Weeks
Curious how we celebrated before we hit the open road? Take a look at some of our favorite moments from two previous Active Aging Weeks:
- Active Aging Week 2024: A Magic Carpet Ride Around the World
- Active Aging Week 2023: Back to the Future
Want to be part of the adventure next year? If you can picture yourself enjoying a resort-style lifestyle with luxurious amenities, plenty of activities, and the company of like-minded companions, we’d love to talk to you!
Please call 614-734-2105 or schedule a tour. Act quickly, and you might just be joining us for Active Aging Week 2026 — and discovering how living The Village Way makes the most of every moment.
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