For Kim Stephans, participating in Milwaukee County’s Dine Out program is more than just getting a free meal – it’s a lifeline to social connection and a sense of belonging.
“Places like this will bring you back to life,” said Stephans.
The program has become a vital part of Stephans’ life, along with the Clinton Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, which serves as a vital connection to the community for him and other seniors in Milwaukee.
“This gives us something to do and gives us needed companionship,” he said.
These kinds of services and programs are essential as more seniors in Milwaukee County live alone.
Over half (51%) of seniors in Milwaukee County live alone, according to data gathered by the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging.
The National Institute on Aging defines a senior or older adult as anyone 65 or older. However, definitions of who is considered an older adult in the United States vary, depending on the circumstances.
More seniors in Milwaukee County live alone than in any other county in Wisconsin, according to Health Compass Milwaukee, which provides comprehensive, health-related data about Milwaukee County residents and communities.
That same study also found that seniors in Milwaukee County feel less alone by participating in community events and programs.
“It can be hard for seniors navigating life after losing a spouse or living alone,” said Gaylyn Reske, senior dining program coordinator for the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services’ Department on Aging.
Here’s a list of free or low-cost services and programs that are available to older adults in the Milwaukee area. Transportation to the workshops and programs listed below is available through the Milwaukee County Older Adults Transportation Service, or OATS. More information here.
Health and Wellness
Boost Your Brain & Memory: Thursdays
Sharpen your mind and memory with holistic activities focused on physical fitness, emotional well-being, mental stimulation and more. Sessions are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays until April 18 and on May 2 at Franklin City Hall, 9229 W. Loomis Road, Franklin. To register, call 414-425-9101. More information here.
Healthy Living with Chronic Pain: Wednesdays
This workshop aims to empower adults dealing with persistent pain. Sessions will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays from April 24 through May 29 at the West Allis West Milwaukee Recreation Center, 2450 S. 68th St., West Allis. To register, call 414-302-8612. More information here.
Living Well With Chronic Conditions: Tuesdays
Workshop sessions will be held every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. from June 11 through July 16 at the West Allis Senior Center, 7001 W. National Ave., West Allis. To register, call 414-302-8700. More information here.
Savvy Caregiver: Tuesdays
Savvy Caregiver is a workshop for family caregivers of a person with dementia. Sessions will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays from June 4 through July 9. Register by May 21 by emailing Candice.Legros@milwaukeecountywi.gov or by calling 414-289-5792. More information here.
Stepping On: various date and times
This seven-week program is designed for adults ages 60 and older who are prone to falling or have balance concerns. Find various times and locations here.
Walk With Ease: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
Walk with Ease meets from 10 a.m to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 20 at the Wilson Park Senior Center, 2601 W. Howard Ave. To register, call 414-282-5566. More information here
Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging
Find more classes and programs, including senior center locations, at the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging’s website here.
Milwaukee Recreation’s Organization for Active Seniors in Society, or OASIS
From computer access to yoga to free meals, OASIS, located at 2414 W. Mitchell St., provides diverse programs and activities tailored to adults ages 50 and over. More information here.
Free Yoga for Older Adults
Milwaukee Turners hosts free yoga for seniors from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursdays at Turner Hall, 1034 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. Registration is not required and donations are encouraged. For more information, check out Milwaukee Turners Facebook page here.
Check out the Milwaukee County DHHS Aging & Disabilities Services Facebook page to stay up to date on events and programs for seniors in the Milwaukee area.
Food and fellowship
Milwaukee County Senior Dining Program
Milwaukee County partners with four minority-owned restaurants for its Dine Out program. All Dine Out meals are free with a $3 suggested donation. No one, regardless of income, is turned away.
Participating restaurants are:
Rise & Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, serves breakfast to seniors on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Orenda Cafe, 3514 W. National Ave., serves breakfast to seniors on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen, 6207 W. National Ave., serves senior lunch on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m.
Daddy’s Soul Food and Grille, 754 N. 27th St., serves senior meals on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Check out more senior dining programming at various senior centers here.
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