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
Hispanic Heritage Month is a chance to honor the past while investing in a healthier, more connected future. We invite you this Hispanic Heritage Month to join AARP New Jersey in bringing culture and connection to life through exciting partnerships and exclusive member discounts:

State Theatre New Jersey – New Brunswick
AARP members and guests receive 20% off tickets to two incredible Latino music performances:

• 10/04 – Buena Vista Orchestra
• 10/28 – Mariachi de Mexico

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with AARP NJ staff at both events to learn about key resources and programs.

More info: Join AARP New Jersey at the State Theatre New Jersey!

Celia Cruz Tribute & Salsa Party – McCarter Theatre, Princeton
AARP NJ is the presenting sponsor of this high-energy celebration of the Queen of Salsa on 10/10/25. Members receive a 15% ticket discount, and AARP NJ will be on-site to share resources and engage with attendees.

More info: AARP NJ & the Celia Cruz Tribute & Salsa Party

NY Latino Film Festival Partnership – “A Little Family Drama” Screening
In collaboration with the New York Latino Film Festival, AARP NJ presents a special Movies for Grownups screening of A Little Family Drama on 10/07, along with a Food Drive supporting Replenish.

To RSVP and get more details: A Little Family Drama NYLFF x AARP-NJ - Splash

Other AARP.org online opportunities include:

• 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