September 2026

World Food Day, observed on October 16, can encourage better nutrition and healthy aging by reminding older adults, families, and caregivers that nutritious food is an important part of maintaining health and everyday function. As people age, changes in appetite, mobility, medications, health conditions, and the ability to shop or prepare meals can affect nutrition.

Organize Your Medical Information Month can help families manage an older adult’s healthcare needs by encouraging them to gather important health information in one secure, easy-to-update place. A current list of medications, healthcare providers, medical conditions, allergies, insurance information, and emergency contacts can make appointments and unexpected situations easier to manage. October is a useful

Global Handwashing Day, observed on October 15, can encourage better infection prevention for older adults by reminding families, caregivers, and senior care providers that proper handwashing is one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of many germs. Older adults may be more vulnerable to complications from certain infections, making everyday hygiene especially important.

Residents’ Rights Month can help families better understand that older adults receiving long-term care have important rights related to dignity, privacy, choice, communication, and participation in their care. Observed each October, the month provides an opportunity for residents, families, caregivers, and care providers to learn more about these protections. Understanding residents’ rights can help families

Long Term Care Planning Month can help families prepare for future senior care needs by encouraging important conversations before a crisis occurs. Observed in October, it is a useful time to discuss where an older adult wants to live, what type of help may eventually be needed, who will participate in care decisions, and how

World Mental Health Day can encourage better emotional support for older adults by reminding families, caregivers, and communities to pay attention to emotional well-being as well as physical health. Observed each year on October 10, the day provides an opportunity to talk openly about mental health, recognize meaningful changes in mood or behavior, reduce isolation,