Stories that Connect Us: AARP Champions Healthy Living and Culture

This fall, AARP is excited to partner once again with the New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) for the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) Film Festival Tour—a transformative series whose heartbeats are healthy living, cultural pride, and community bonds. Across nine cities in U.S. mainland and in San Juan, Puerto Rico, these events are more than movie nights: they are vibrant gatherings designed to foster social connection, celebrate cultural identity, and champion the well-being of Hispanic/Latino adults 50 and older.


For this year's HHM, Healthy Living stands as the unifying theme—a theme deeply rooted in the lived experiences and values uncovered by AARP’s Heritage & Heart research. For Hispanic/Latino adults age 50+, film is not just entertainment; it is a mirror reflecting identity, family, and the everyday practices that nurture the mind, body, and soul.

According to AARP’s Heritage & Heart research, Healthy Living is a cultural commitment among Hispanic/Latino adults, not merely an individual pursuit. In fact, the study shows that:

• 63% prioritize maintaining their physical health 
• 54% emphasize mental and emotional well-being 
• 52% focus on staying mentally sharp 

These priorities are intimately connected to family and community—the very foundations of Latino identity. Culture, expressed through traditions, food, music, and especially storytelling, provides the framework for healthy living. The AARP+NYLFF Film Festival Tour harnesses this synergy, making every film screening an opportunity not just to be entertained, but to inspire and reinforce well-being at every stage of life.

Heritage & Heart research further reveals that cultural practices are entwined with health behaviors. Whether it’s the sharing of traditional foods that nourish both body and heritage, the rhythms of music that lift spirits and foster emotional wellness, or the use of language (Spanish, Spanglish, English) that bridges generations—culture is a vital resource for both individual and collective thriving.


Films highlighted during the tour, such as “La Salsa Vive”, “Street Smart”, and “A Little Family Drama”, reflect these intersections. They tell stories of resilience, family legacy, and community identity, resonating deeply with multigenerational audiences and reinforcing healthy living as both a personal and cultural journey.

Fostering Healthy Living goes beyond the individual — it’s about cultivating spaces where everyone feels connected, supported, and inspired. AARP makes this a reality at these film screenings by offering free admission, complimentary concessions, and accessible venues, ensuring that all can participate in these community celebrations.

With each city— Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, North Brunswick, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Juan—every screening becomes a touchpoint for belonging and well-being. Panel discussions, red-carpet moments, and community conversations create opportunities for attendees to engage with neighbors, local AARP staff, and the creative forces behind the films. These moments reinforce the research finding that family and faith remain the top priorities for Latinos 50+, and that community events are powerful vehicles for reducing isolation, promoting joy, and supporting mental health.

This year’s HHM campaign theme—Healthy Living—directly reflects the insights of the Heritage & Heart research and AARP’s strategy to align heritage observances with key social mission areas. All programming, from film festivals to creative materials and giveaways, is designed to uplift the health-focused cultural narrative and provide resources that support holistic well-being.

As the tour rolls out nationwide, AARP invites you to join in celebrating stories that nourish both heritage and health. Take a seat, share in the power of storytelling, and connect with the values that matter most: family, purpose, and a vibrant, healthy community.

This is more than a movie night—it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and Healthy Living.

Admission is free. Registration is required. First come, first served.

Find a film screening near you!