At Sagora Senior Living, we are constantly creating new experiences to engage our residents and find exciting ways to showcase our amazing communities and how we truly embrace each moment we create together. We’re always seeking meaningful ways to enhance our residents’ quality of life, one of which includes celebrating the rich heritages that make up our community, like AAPI Heritage Month.
Each May, Sagora Senior Living proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to recognize the history, culture, and contributions of the AAPI community. Within our communities, this month provides a meaningful opportunity to honor the diverse backgrounds of residents and team members while fostering connection, learning, and appreciation.
At Sagora Senior Living, we believe in celebrating every individual’s story. That includes embracing cultural heritage through thoughtful activities, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences. AAPI Heritage Month reminds us that our communities are strengthened by diversity, and it offers us the chance to highlight the rich traditions and values that AAPI cultures bring to the table.
Embracing Heritage in Our Communities
In many Sagora communities, we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month by highlighting the customs, art, food, and history of countries and cultures across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Our Lifestyles teams often coordinate with residents and team members to ensure authenticity and relevance in our celebrations. Whether it’s through storytelling events, cultural presentations, or resident-led discussions, we create space for our community members to share their own backgrounds and learn from one another.
Some communities host special cultural showcases, where residents can experience traditional music, dance, or clothing from countries such as Japan, China, the Philippines, Korea, India, Vietnam, and many others. These events are not only entertaining but also educational, helping residents explore different cultural perspectives and histories in a warm and engaging environment.
Culinary Experiences That Bring Us Together
Food is a powerful way to celebrate culture, and our Culinary Directors often plan themed meals that highlight the cuisines of AAPI countries. From teriyaki salmon and pho to lumpia and mango sticky rice, these meals are both delicious and educational. Culinary teams may even offer tasting menus, allowing residents to try a variety of flavors and dishes that they might not have experienced before.
To further engage residents, some communities invite guest speakers or host cooking demonstrations from team members or local chefs with AAPI backgrounds. This allows our residents to learn about the origins of certain dishes and the traditions surrounding mealtimes in different cultures.
Making AAPI Heritage Month Meaningful for Seniors
Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month goes beyond themed activities—it’s about fostering deeper understanding and inclusion. Here are a few ways Sagora communities make the month more meaningful:
- Storytelling and Oral Histories: Residents who identify as AAPI or have connections to AAPI culture are encouraged to share their stories, traditions, and family histories. These conversations offer a powerful way to connect across generations and build community.
- Educational Sessions: Our teams often host documentary viewings or invite local cultural organizations to present on significant AAPI historical milestones, such as the contributions of Chinese railroad workers, the bravery of Japanese American soldiers in World War II, or the influence of AAPI leaders in arts and politics.
- Arts and Crafts: Residents may participate in hands-on experiences such as origami, calligraphy, flower arranging (ikebana), or painting. These activities are not only enjoyable but also open doors to meaningful conversations about the cultural significance behind each art form.
- Language and Poetry: Exposure to different languages, proverbs, and poetry, especially those shared by residents. This helps foster mutual respect and curiosity. Even learning a simple greeting in Korean, Tagalog, or Mandarin can spark joy and engagement.
A Month of Inclusion and Connection
At its heart, AAPI Heritage Month is about recognition, respect, and celebration. In Sagora Senior Living communities, we treat this observance not as a one-time event but as a reflection of our ongoing commitment to honoring the backgrounds of our residents and team members. We see every celebration as an opportunity to build connections, spark dialogue, and create joy.
We are proud to provide spaces where culture is not only preserved but also shared—and where every resident can feel seen, heard, and valued. By honoring AAPI heritage, we strengthen the bonds within our communities and highlight the richness that diversity brings to our lives.
We are proud to play a vital role in helping seniors live longer and the best life possible. With 95 communities in 11 different states, Sagora Senior Living offers seniors the chance to live in active, social communities where they can thrive on a daily basis.
To learn more about the Sagora experience, tour your local community today!