Accessible services and programs become essential for Milwaukee seniors, especially those who are isolated or alone.
Nearly 37% of residents ages 60 and older live alone in Milwaukee County, according to data from the Milwaukee County Commission on Aging.
Here are activities and programs on Milwaukee’s North and South Side that seniors can get involved in.
Health and wellness
SPARK! at the Domes: Monthly on Tuesdays
Spark! At the Domes is a free program for older adults with memory loss and their caregivers to participate in monthly nature-based activities for an hour and a half on Tuesdays at the Mitchell Park Domes Horticulture Conservatory, 524 S. Layton Blvd. Click here to submit an interest form. Here are upcoming sessions.
Weekly Bingo: Mondays and Fridays
Adults 50 and older can participate in activities like fitness, cooking, arts and crafts, sports, outdoor education and more at the OASIS Community Center, 2414 W. Mitchell St., by becoming a member. The membership includes access to a coffee bar from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and computer lab and fitness center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Friday.
A membership for Milwaukee residents is $15, and $25 for nonresidents. The membership fee is valid for one year from purchase date. To register and receive a tour, visit in person.More information here.
United Community Center Senior Programs: Monday through Friday
The United Community Center has free recurring activities for seniors 60 and older at its Senior Center at 730 W. Washington St. Here are some activities:
Art class from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Music with Grupo Renacer from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Mexican folklore dance class from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays.
Zumba class is from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Open gym and table games like dominoes, bingo and puzzles are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.
In addition, nutritious Hispanic meals are served every day at noon. Seniors are encouraged to give a $3 donation if they can.
To register for all activities, visit the UCC Senior Center website or call 414-649-2807.
Education
Tech Connect: Monday through Thursday
Tech Connect is a free and low-cost program led by Serving Older Adults staff that offers lectures, workshops and courses on how to use technology in everyday life like texting, video calls, streaming, online banking and more.
Participants are required to bring their own phone, iPad or laptop to a senior center for one-on-one help. To sign up for classes or “bring your own device” sessions, call your local senior center.
Participating senior centers are:
Clinton & Bernice Rose Senior Center, 3045 N. Martin Luther King Drive, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wilson Park Senior Center, 2601 W. Howard Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Food and fellowship
Dine Out: Monday through Wednesday
Milwaukee County partners with three minority-owned restaurants for its Dine Out program for seniors 60 and older. All Dine Out meals are free, but a $3 donation is suggested. No one, regardless of income, is turned away.
Participating restaurants are:
Rise & Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Martin Luther King Drive, serves breakfast to seniors on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Orenda Cafe, 3514 W. National Ave., serves breakfast to seniors on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Daddy’s Soul Food and Grille, 754 N. 27th St., serves senior meals on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Milwaukee County has a number of senior dining sites for individuals age 60 and older. Meals are available from Monday through Friday with a suggested donation of $3.
Here’s the menu for February. Here’s a list of senior dining sites. To find ask questions about the senior dining program you can email here or call the Senior Dining Office at 414-289-6995.
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