Heritage, Health, and Hope: AARP New Jersey Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

From the heart of Jersey City to the family tables of Perth Amboy, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the vibrant cultures, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Observed from September 15 to October 15, this month celebrates the independence days of several Latin American countries and the enduring legacy of Latino communities across the U.S.

New Jersey is home to nearly 2 million Hispanic residents. This celebration is deeply personal. It’s about family, food, faith, and the shared journey of aging with dignity and pride.

Culture and Wellness: AARP’s “Nourish Your Heritage” Campaign
AARP’s “Nourish Your Heritage” campaign connects cultural traditions with healthy living. Whether it’s dancing to salsa rhythms or cooking family recipes with a healthy twist, the campaign encourages older Latino adults to embrace wellness through familiar and joyful practices.

AARP New Jersey hosted a virtual Latin dance class last week as part of our Healthy Living series in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. If you missed it, check out the AARP Texas virtual “Get Healthier to the Rhythms of Salsa, Bachata and Merengue!” class every Thursday afternoon until October 9^th at 3:00 Eastern.

What Matters Most: Insights from Hispanic Adults 50+
AARP’s recent study, Heritage & Heart: Perspectives and Values of Hispanic Adults 50 and Older, reveals that older Hispanic adults prioritize:

• Physical health (63%)
• Mental and emotional well-being (54%)
• Staying mentally sharp (52%)
• Financial security (57%)
• Family as the top personal value (59%) is a driving force behind health and financial decisions

Despite these priorities, many face challenges. Only 12% consistently eat a healthy diet, even though 71% believe it improves overall health. This gap highlights the need for culturally relevant health resources — something AARP is actively addressing.

Living the Culture: Language, Faith, and Family
The Spanish language remains an important aspect of cultural identity for many older Hispanic adults. Spanish is seen as an emotional and expressive language that facilitates family and cultural connection, with many feeling a commitment to motivating younger generations to embrace the Spanish language. These cultural anchors, language, religion, and family, shape how older Latinos experience aging and connect with their communities.

Over a quarter live in multigenerational households, which strengthens family bonds and allows grandparents to pass down traditions and language to younger generations. Grandparents express taking an active role and feeling that part of their job as abuelos is to instill Hispanic culture and tradition in their grandkids.

Resources for New Jersey’s Latino Community

The AARP Latino Community website offers a wealth information to support Latino families:

• AARP Boletín Spanish-language newsletter
• Healthy living guides tailored to cultural preferences
• Caregiving support for multigenerational families
• Financial planning tools and retirement resources

These resources reflect AARP’s commitment to being a Wise Friend and Fierce Defender for older adults helping us live with vitality, purpose, and joy.

Celebrate With Purpose
Whether you’re attending a local festival, cooking a cherished family dish, or exploring AARP’s resources, Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to honor the past while investing in a healthier, more connected future.

Explore AARP’s Hispanic Heritage Month hub

Read the full AARP Heritage & Heart: Perspectives and Values of Hispanic Adults 50 and Older study

Healthy Intentions: The Latino Older Adult's Journey to Better Eating Habits