Healthy Aging: Resources for You or the Loved Ones in Your Life

There are a lot of misconceptions and jokes about getting older. But aging can be a positive experience where people can thrive. The goal of healthy aging is to help us be more resilient, independent, and have a greater quality of life. Our wish is for everyone in Dane County to be able to access what they need to help them live a long, healthy, fulfilling life.

We’ve put together a list of resources to help you, or someone you love, age successfully. 

Senior centers help you stay healthy, get help, and feel connected

Senior centers offer a wide range of benefits!

• Stay healthy: Participate in fitness programs, health screenings, and nutrition programs to benefit your physical health.
• Get help: Senior center staff can help with information, community resources, transportation to other community locations, and more.
• Be social: Take classes and participate in activities where you can meet friends and feel more connected and less isolated.
• Get equipment: Have a temporary medical condition or upcoming surgery? Some senior centers have lending closets if you need things like walkers, crutches, and shower benches.
• Stay informed: Some senior centers have newsletters - sign up and stay in the know! Or follow your local senior center on social media. 

No matter where you live in Dane County, there's a senior center near you!

Here's a list of the senior centers in Dane County and the areas they serve:

• Madison Senior Center: serving Madison area adults 55 and older.
• The Colonial Club: serving people who live in Sun Prairie, Bristol, Burke, Cottage Grove, Deerfield, Marshall, and Medina.
• Northwest Dane Senior Services: serving older adults and their families who live in Black Earth, Cross Plains, Mazomanie, Roxbury, Vermont, and Berry.
• Mount Horeb Senior Center: serving people 60+ who live in Mt. Horeb, Blue Mounds, Perry, Primrose, and Springdale.
• Verona Senior Center: serving people 55 and over in the Verona area.
• Fitchburg Senior Center serving Fitchburg.
• Stoughton Area Senior Center: serving people over 55 and their families who live in the Stoughton area.
• Cornerstone Community Center: serving older adults and their families who live in De Forest, Windsor, and Vienna.
• Monona Senior Center: serving those 50 and over.
• NewBridge Madison: three offices – north side, west side, east side/Monona.
• Middleton Senior Center: serving older adults in the Middleton community.
• Waunakee Senior Center: serving older adults in the villages of Waunakee and Dane, and the townships of Dane, Springfield, Westport, and Vienna.
• Oregon Area Senior Center: serving older adults in the Oregon School District.
• McFarland Senior Outreach Services Department: serving people over the age of 60 living in the villages of McFarland, Cambridge, and Rockdale, and the towns of Dunn, Pleasant Springs, and Christiana.
• Sugar River Senior Center: serving older adults living in Belleville. 

Library home services provide materials for those who can't visit the library

For folks with an ongoing physical condition that prevents them from visiting the library, or who live in a retirement home or assisted living, Madison Public Library offers home delivery and pick up of books and other materials. They’re also looking for volunteers to help provide this service!

For those in Dane County who don’t live in Madison, this service is provided by Dane County Library Service Outreach – 608-266-4419. 

Connect with others to help combat feelings of isolation or loneliness

Social isolation is a growing issue, and for those who live in Madison, NewBridge created a new program to address it. Check out their website to learn how to stay connected or sign up for a phone pal or regular visits with a friendly volunteer.

Don’t live in the city of Madison? The senior centers listed above have programs and services to help you feel connected! 

Volunteering helps you meet new people

Many organizations that serve older adults, like NewBridge and RSVP of Dane County, are looking for volunteers. This is a great way to get out, meet new people, and be social as well! 

Caregivers: Remember to take care of you!

Whether you’re providing a little or a lot of help to an older loved one, it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Prioritize your own health and build a support system of other family members and friends who can help or lend an ear. And don’t forget that ADRC and your local senior center have resources, support groups, case managers, and more. 

Other resources you may find helpful:

• Dane County Department of Human Services Family Caregiver Support
• Dane county Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging
• Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dane County
• OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center
• Southeast Asian Healing Center
• Dane County Behavioral Health Resource Center
• NewBridge Madison Mental Health Resources
• Dane County Department of Human Services Transportation for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
• Goodman Community Center Older Adult Programming
• Safe Communities Falls Prevention
• Tech Life Unity: Free information about how to use technology
• Coalition of Wisconsin Aging & Health Groups