[Updated: October 20, 2026 | Published: October 20, 2026]
A week of classic television-inspired activities showcased the energy, creativity, and community spirit that make Friendship Village of Dublin a welcoming and vibrant place to live.
For one unforgettable week, Friendship Village of Dublin felt like a live studio audience, dance floor, game show stage, art studio, fitness class, and neighborhood gathering place all rolled into one. Active Aging Week 2026 gave residents and staff across all its communities, volunteers, and guests a chance to celebrate what life here is all about: staying active, connected, curious, and ready for fun.
Although the theme celebrated classic television, our residents were anything but couch potatoes. Everyone was encouraged to pick up their “TV Guide” schedule and join a full week of games, events, meals, challenges, and classes designed to support a healthy, active lifestyle. Residents and staff filled the campus with smiles, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The week kicked off with our Active Aging Week “host” guiding a full room through the Opening Ceremony, including an overview of the event schedule and the first activity of the week. Game Show Day began with a trio of games inspired by The Price is Right, bringing plenty of Bob Barker energy as residents participated on stage and in the audience. Later, we recreated another classic, What’s My Line?, with staff and residents trying to guess one another’s most interesting life fact. And for anyone who remembers Beat the Clock, the Friendship Village of Dublin version revealed some of the most competitive residents on campus!
Day two of Active Aging Week invited us to revisit some of our favorite sitcoms. Fans of I Dream of Jeannie—and anyone who loves to dance—enjoyed a belly dancing class led by a local dance group. Whether residents were standing or seated, hips were moving! We also watched iconic episodes that shaped pop culture and still show up today, from Lucy and Ethel’s chocolate factory mishap to Aunt Bee’s unforgettable pickles. That set the stage for our Channel Surfing Happy Hour, where residents visited up to six stations featuring activities, light snacks, and beverages themed to favorite shows from the era. One of the biggest hits was free motorcycle sidecar rides with “The Fonz” as part of our Happy Days channel.
Wednesday is always a favorite, and this year did not disappoint. Residents were excited to learn or revisit popular dance moves in preparation for the evening’s Sock Hop Dinner and Dance. The morning fitness and dance class brought back favorites including the Mashed Potato, the Twist, the Jitterbug, and more. To match the day’s Variety Show theme, residents and staff gathered to perform in front of a large crowd, with comedians, singers, artists, musicians, and other talented performers dazzling the room. We capped off the day with a TV-themed meal and plenty of dancing. Students from The Ohio State University College of Nursing came to volunteer, but they soon found themselves moving, grooving, and even “worming” with the rest of us. We even went off-script and brought out The Stroll as a throwback dance for everyone to enjoy.
Thursday’s Public Broadcasting theme was a natural fit for a day full of learning, movement, and creativity. In the morning, residents channeled the energy of Jack LaLanne, the late “Godfather of Fitness,” during fitness classes designed to get everyone moving. Pastor Fred then put our minds into motion with a thoughtful presentation on the history and evolution of televangelism. Later, FVD’s Chef Jim brought our version of a cooking show to life with plenty of sweet samples for all. To round out the day, residents chose between two creative activities: a home and garden open house with a live plant propagation demonstration, or a painting session with “FVD Bob Ross” featuring many happy little trees.
Active Aging Week’s final day featured a Mystery and Crime TV theme, and once again, food helped set the scene. The FVD Culinary Team hosted a fantastic “Cereal Killer Breakfast,” with themed breakfast favorites and playful details throughout the buffet line. Guests did not need to worry about the decorative crime scene tape or body outlines, though. The fun continued with a special presentation from former FBI agent and published author, Harry Trombitas. He captivated the audience with stories about his path to becoming a federal agent, tracking criminals, saving lives, and experiencing unforgettable moments behind the badge.
As we reflect on one of our favorite weeks of the year, we are reminded that aging does not mean we stop growing, learning, moving, connecting, or having fun. Active Aging Week reflects Friendship Village of Dublin’s guiding philosophy, The Village Way, which supports the nine dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, nutritional, health services, vocational, and environmental. It also challenges outdated perceptions of aging by showing, in joyful and meaningful ways, that older adults can continue to thrive in every aspect of life.
While Active Aging Week is one of our favorite annual traditions, it reflects the same spirit of wellness, lifelong learning, connection, and fun that residents experience throughout the year at Friendship Village of Dublin. Whether gathering with friends, exploring new interests, staying active, or giving back to the community, our residents continue to prove that life’s next chapter can be among its most rewarding.
Thank you to our Wellness and Community Life teams, volunteers, and staff members who helped make this year’s celebration such a memorable success. Most of all, thank you to our residents, whose enthusiasm, energy, and willingness to embrace every opportunity made Active Aging Week truly unforgettable.
Interested in seeing The Village Way in action? We’d love to show you firsthand what makes our Village such a special place to call home. Whether you’re exploring senior living options for yourself or a loved one, we invite you to explore Friendship Village of Dublin, connect with our team, or schedule a visit to experience The Village Way for yourself.
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