Active Aging in MKE
Find all the services, stores, residential communities and more that suit your stage of life. And check out our guide to the exciting activities around the metro area for the over-50 crowd.
Retirement Communities
CEDAR COMMUNITY
This West Bend senior living community provides many opportunities to enhance your physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. Cedar Community features several fitness centers across its locations, offering strength training equipment, a lap pool, a whirlpool, and a variety of fitness classes for all levels. “We have seen a major increase in our attendance at all levels of exercise with residents looking to be more active and stay physically fit,” says Carrie Sturn, senior marketing director. cedarcommunity.org
HARWOOD PLACE
Offering a variety of health and wellness services, Harwood Place senior living community helps residents of all fitness abilities stay on top of their physical health. Harwood’s 24-hour fitness center has weights, treadmills, steppers and more available for residents to use independently. With several group exercise classes to choose from that address balance, stability, core strengthening, joint mobility and heart strength, there is something for everyone. harwoodplace.org
SAINT JOHN’S ON THE LAKE
At Saint John’s On The Lake, “retirement” means exploration, adventure and comfort. Residents savor lake and city views and spend their days doing what they love – whether it’s joining or leading a lecture, exploring Milwaukee’s cultural gems, or enjoying a lakeside stroll, every detail is designed to support living well. The LifeStreams Wellness Program brings it all together, offering opportunities that keep residents informed, engaged and connected – physically, socially and intellectually. saintjohnsmilw.org
ST. CAMILLUS
St. Camillus is a nonprofit, mission-focused Life Plan Community that has provided quality care to seniors for over 100 years. The community offers beautiful apartment homes in an engaging community where you can age with choice. Whether it be in independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home- and community-based services, or hospice, St. Camillus provides the engagement, security, and stability for the “what ifs” of the future. stcam.com
Making the Move
BILTRITE FURNITURELEATHER-MATTRESSES
If you’re considering a move, downsizing or relocating to a retirement home, the experts at BILTRITE Furniture-Leather-Mattresses can help you evaluate your home furnishings needs. During a complimentary consultation, BILTRITE’s team can help you choose space-appropriate furniture and storage solutions. If mobility is a challenge, BILTRITE’s selection of adaptive furniture, like their comfortable power-lift recliners, helps users sit and stand more safely and easily. biltritefurniture.com
EXTRAORDINARY SPACES
An interior designer with a construction crew? It’s not too good to be true – Marcy Moreland of Extraordinary Spaces, LLC is both an interior designer and a licensed general contractor who incorporates global elements into her projects. Her goals include a seamless remodel process with her at the helm and making your home feel like “you, inspired.” extraordinary-spaces.com
SMART MOVES
Specializing in full service moves, Smart Moves offers a suite of moving services including sorting, decluttering, space planning, packing, moving, unpacking, organizing and setting up. For those moving from a longtime family home, the Smart Moves team helps families make informed and thoughtful decisions about what items to keep, ensuring their new home reflects what they want and need. smartmoveswi.com
UNIVERSAL SERVICES
Universal Services offers senior relocation and logistics management services for those moving homes or downsizing. Time-consuming and pesky tasks like downsizing and organizing are taken care of before packing, moving and unpacking in the new space. For those with lots of items to declutter, they offer estate sale services and own a consignment shop where clients can slowly sell their belongings without trying to squeeze it in before the move. You can call 262-257-0250 for a complementary consultation or estimate. universalserviceswi.com
Health and Wellness
CITY OF HOPE
Maintaining your health means getting regular screenings to help detect cancer early, which may allow for more treatment options and better outcomes. City of Hope Cancer Center, located just across the border in northeastern Illinois, offers screening options for breast, colon and lung cancer, with appointments available in as little as one week. If cancer is detected, the multidisciplinary team of experts offers a comprehensive range of oncology services, with treatment plans personalized to each patient and delivered with lifesaving speed. cityofhope.org
CLARA HEALING INSTITUTE
Wauwatosa’s CLARA Healing Institute takes a holistic approach to mental well-being for those in their second half of life and seniors. CLARA offers therapy that can help ease the emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause, career changes, divorce, loss or other challenging life circumstances.
Alongside traditional therapy sessions, Clara Healing Institute offers group therapy, workshops and educational events with a range of topics. clarahealinginstitute.com
DANCEWORKS
Danceworks has transformed dance education in Milwaukee by making dance accessible, affordable and inclusive for anyone. The studio offers classes for all ages, levels, styles and backgrounds – including a dedicated 50+ series. Options include varying levels of Ballet and Tap, Dance for levels, styles, and even an intergenerational performance company! These classes feature stretching, balance work, and more, all fostering a sense of connection and joy. danceworksmke.org
EYE CARE SPECIALISTS
With locations in Milwaukee, West Allis and Wauwatosa, Eye Care Specialists offers comprehensive eye care, including cataract and glaucoma treatment. “To maintain eye health as you age, get regular eye exams to detect issues early, eat a diet rich in omega-3s,
vitamins C and E, lutein and zinc, and wear UV-protective sunglasses to prevent damage from sun exposure,” says Dr. Michael Raciti of Eye Care Specialists. “Reduce screen time and practice good lighting habits to prevent eye strain. These steps help ensure long-term eye health and prevent age-related vision loss.” eyecarespecialists.net
ORTHOPAEDIC ASSOCIATES
Bone and muscle health are fundamental to maintaining independence and wellness. The Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin experts help seniors with injury recovery, pain management and mobility. The Orthopaedic Surgery Center’s joint replacement program offers streamlined care using cutting-edge techniques and surgical technology for faster recovery and better outcomes. The
physicians, physician assistants, nurses and other health professionals provide personalized solutions to help patients stay agile, safe and mobile for longer. orthowisconsin.com
VITA FITNESS
Recovering from an injury or looking to stay strong and active? Vita blends physical therapy with personalized training, helping you regain mobility, build strength and maintain your independence. The expert team guides you through recovery and fitness programs tailored to your goals, so you can keep doing the things you love. getvitafit.com
Take a Trip
FOX CITIES
Located 100 miles north of Milwaukee, the Fox Cities offer a wide variety of attractions. From scenic outdoor spaces to vibrant shopping districts, lively entertainment and a thriving dining scene, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy world-class performances at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, and don’t miss Appleton’s iconic Mile of Music, a one-of-a-kind festival showcasing over 200 artists across 40 stages. foxcities.org
JOHN MICHAEL KOHLER ARTS CENTER
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center presents contemporary art exhibitions featuring artists from around the globe. The world-class museum also engages visitors’ creative spirit through classes, workshops, artist talks and live performances. It’s SPARK! program includes monthly activities for adults with memory loss and their caregivers. jmkac.org
Financial Health
IAG WEALTH PARTNERS
IAG Wealth Partners is a premier wealth management firm in Southeastern Wisconsin. The firm offers a holistic approach to financial planning, considering short- and long-term goals, life changes, plans for children or grandchildren, retirement and much more. “We are focused on financial planning, and not just on the investments,” says Lori Watt, the president. “How do these pieces impact the roadmap for their life? We use that intimate understanding to create a plan that encompasses all facets of their financial and personal life.” iagwealthpartners.com
MACH1 CAPITAL
Retirement should be a time to explore and relax, not worry about your financial future. Mach1 Capital is an alternative real estate investment firm that brings in a passive stream of income every month that, alongside retirement and social security payments, can help bring financial freedom for accredited investors. “Using alternative investments is a wise way to prepare for retirement,” says Anthony Machi, co-owner of Mach1 Capital. “There are monthly returns with little to no volatility.” mach1capital.net
50+ Things To Do
SPONSORED BY IAG WEALTH
Milwaukee is jam-packed with things to do and see. Whether it’s a dance class, an art exhibition, a park to explore or a museum to visit, you’ll find something to enjoy in this guide of 50+ things to do for folks over 50.
LEARN
Explore Your Interests at Clement Manor’s Center for Enrichment
This retirement community’s learning center is open to anybody over the age of 60 – you don’t have to be a resident. It offers rotating classes in art, education, spirituality, wellness, history, recreation and science. clementmanor.com/cfe
Learn to Dance at Danceworks
Danceworks’ ballet and tap classes designed for dancers over the age of 50 get participants moving, learning a fun new skill and connecting with others. bit.ly/danceworks50
Create at MIAD’s Continuing Education Art Classes
Hone your art skills at one of MIAD’s many continuing ed art classes including figure drawing, photography, monoprinting, animation, etching, comic art and more. bit.ly/miadce
Take to the Stage at the Milwaukee Rep’s Acting Classes
Unleash your inner thespian with a class at the Milwaukee Rep! Courses include basic acting, Shakespeare and spring intensives. bit.ly/mrepclass
Study at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
UW-Milwaukee’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers many noncredit courses to adults over the age of 50. Become a member for an annual fee of $45, and you can brush up on your language skills, become a writer, or join for a day of exploration. bit.ly/osherlli
Become a Gourmet at a Milwaukee Rec Cooking Class
Looking to expand your culinary prowess? Milwaukee Rec’s classes teach you to pickle, use sourdough and cook cuisines from around the world. bit.ly/mkerecclass
Take a Free Class or Join a Club at the Milwaukee Public Library
The Milwaukee Public Library hosts hundreds of free classes and events throughout the year. Join the library’s walking club, learn about the latest technology or participate in a book club. mpl.libnet.info/events
E YE C ARE S PECIALISTS
World-Class Eye Care. Local Experts You Can Trust.
From comprehensive eye exams to emergency retinal treatment, Eye Care Specialists has been serving southeastern Wisconsin with trusted, cutting-edge care since 1985. Our team of experienced ophthalmologists provides 24/7 coverage and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. As proud members of the community, we go beyond patient care—offering continuing education to area health and senior care professionals and distributing over one million complimentary educational materials. It’s this dedication, expertise, and compassion that have earned us repeated recognition as “Top Doctors” by our peers. Experience the difference. Call us today.
Discover Nature at The Domes’ SPARK!
Designed for older adults with memory challenges, SPARK! provides free (for participants and a caregiver) nature-focused classes, where participants can learn about plant care and propagation. bit.ly/sparkdome
Put Pen to Paper with The Moving Pens Writers’ Group
Red Oak Writing hosts The Moving Pens Writers’ Group to help facilitate writers. Participants write through shared prompts and join in group critiques to hone their skills. bit.ly/redoakwrite
Take
a Master Gardening
Class
UW-Madison’s Milwaukee County Extension offers master gardening classes for folks who want to up their gardening game. Learn botany, entomology, perennial care and much more. bit.ly/uwmastergarden
Learn Baking Skills at the Milwaukee Public Market
This Third Ward destination is always hosting interesting classes, from baking eye-catching desserts
Medical, Surgical & Laser Services for Every Need. Trusted by over 200,000
Glaucoma, Diabetes & Macular Degeneration (AMD) Care with advanced medication injection & laser treatments
NoStitch, NoShot Ultrasonic Cataract Surgery—with toric, monofocal, multifocal & Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) implants
Corneal, NeuroOphthalmology & Retinal Cases
West Allis 2601 S. 102nd St. West Allis, WI 53227 414-321-7520
Wauwatosa 2323 N. Mayfair Rd. Wauwatosa, WI 53226 414-258-4550
Comprehensive Eye Exams and Diagnostic Laser Scans Dry Eye Disease, Infections and Floaters Treatment Eyelid Treatment (inflammation) and Surgery (drooping) Accept Medicare and Most Major Insurances
Milwaukee 633 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53203 414-298-0099
www.eyecarespecialists.net Doctor profiles & in-depth info for six common eye concerns.
Brett Rhode, MD Daniel Ferguson, MD
Michael Raciti, MD Daniel Paskowitz, MD, PhD
David Scheidt, OD Austin Hribar, OD
to a rustic loaf of bread. bit.ly/mkemarketclass
Craft a Bouquet at Milwaukee School of Flower Design
This school offers in-person floral classes that introduce participants to wreath design, bridal work and more. bit.ly/mkeflower
VOLUNTEER
Help Those in Need with Milwaukee Women’s Center
For 45 years, Milwaukee Women’s Center has served those fleeing domestic violence and homelessness. Volunteers help run the children’s program, meal service and clothing bank. bit.ly/mwcentervolunteer
Study Nature with Milwaukee County Parks
Volunteer monitors collect data about bumblebees, wetlands and birds to help maintain habitat health for the critters of Milwaukee County. bit.ly/parkvol
Offer Care with Agrace
Volunteers offer companionship for hospice patients through reading, playing music, talking, delivering meals and more. agrace.org/volunteer
Help at Kathy’s House
Kathy’s House is a hospital guest
house that provides affordable lodging to families traveling to the Milwaukee area for medical care. Volunteers staff the welcome desk and help with laundry, gardening and repairs. kathys-house.org
Feed Folks at
Hunger Task Force
Volunteers help sort donated food at Hunger Task Force, which feeds about 50,000 people every month. hungertaskforce.org/volunteer
Serve at Sojourner
Family Peace Center
Sojourner is Wisconsin’s most comprehensive domestic violence resource. Volunteers can help with administrative tasks, cooking and staffing the hotline. familypeacecenter.org/volunteer
Give a Helping Hand with Catholic Charities
This charity runs many different efforts. Volunteers assist with the adult day center, youth programming and more. ccmke.org/ Volunteer-Opportunities
Serve Others at Milwaukee Rescue Mission
Thousands of Milwaukeeans are served through Milwaukee Rescue Mission’s shelter, housing and meal services. Volunteers serve meals,
wrap Christmas gifts, tutor students and more. milmission.org/volunteer
EXPLORE
Take a Stained Glass Tour
Historic Milwaukee’s Stained Glass Tour takes visitors through churches to learn about their breathtaking art. And if that topic doesn’t interest you, Historic Milwaukee has many other tours on offer. historicmilwaukee.org
Wander Through the Mitchell Park Domes
One of Milwaukee’s most distinct landmarks, the Domes house over 2,000 species of flowers and plants in tropical, desert and floral environments. mitchellparkdomes.com
Tour the Pabst Mansion
Step back in time with a look at this opulent local landmark, where you’ll learn about the Pabst family. pabstmansion.com
Peruse the Galleries at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Anyone over 65 gets discounted admission at MAM. Or visit on Thursdays from 4-8 p.m., when it’s “pay-what-you-wish” to explore the cultural gem. mam.org
Taste Local Spirits at Great Lakes Distillery
Do you have a taste for high-quality
whiskey, bourbon and other spirits?
Great Lakes makes a line of liquors at its Walker’s Point distillery. Take a tour of the facility – or just stop in for a drink. greatlakesdistillery.com
Explore the Floral Delights at Boerner Botanical Gardens
Visitors can meander through beautiful designs, a rose garden, peony garden, butterfly garden and more. boernerbotanicalgardens.org
Visit the Fox Cities
In August, the Fox Cities’ Mile of Music festival will feature over 200 artists across 40 stages. foxcities.org
Taking the Stress Out of Moving
For nearly 30 years, Universal Services has helped seniors settle into their new homes, taking care of planning, hauling, setting up and more.
In 1996, Rick Zanon came home frustrated. He was working as a mover for a big corporation and was increasingly bothered by the way seniors were being treated. “Rick and I were sitting on the porch,” recalls Rick’s wife, Migdalia Zanon. “He said that seniors aren’t getting the services they need. Nobody wants to help set up their things. Everything extra is another cost, another cost, another cost. There’s no service.”
The couple had a thought – with Rick’s experience in the moving industry and Migdalia’s work in business administration, they could start their own company, one that wouldn’t nickel-and-dime seniors. Instead, it would be a boutique service that would help with every aspect of moving, focusing on the unique needs of older adults. That meant helping seniors set up their things, disposing of what they no longer needed, and making the moving process a smooth, easier experience. That next year, the couple officially started Universal Services to do just that.
Nearly 29 years later, Universal Services continues to provide seniors with that unique, turnkey, personalized service. It has received a Diamond Society Circle of Service Award from the National Association of Senior Move Managers for its decades of excellent service for seniors and their families. “We’re really a one-stop shop for seniors,” Migdalia says. “We organize, pack, move, unpack, sell on consignment, operate estate sales and remove unwanted items.”
Universal Services also runs a consignment shop called Consign w/Us, selling items that seniors don’t want in their new home. And if the person moving wants to host an estate sale, Consign w/Us will help them manage it.
“Moving can be a difficult emotional and physical process,” Migdalia says. “We’re committed to making this easier on seniors and helping them in every part of it.”
Sadly, Rick passed away in 2014. Migdalia continues to operate Universal Services and Consign w/Us. In memory of Rick, Migdalia will
“We're committed to making moving easier on seniors.”
MIGDALIA ZANON
write a book on the company’s model called The Five Homes for Everything You Own©. When someone moves, they need to consider which of five potential “homes” is best for each item. The first choice is their new residence for everything they want to keep. Second is family and friends’ homes. Third, a consignment shop or estate sale. Fourth, charities that take donations. And fifth, recycling or trash removal for items with no other use.
The Universal Services moving process begins with a free consultation, in which the company creates a floor plan and presents a preliminary idea
for how everything can be efficiently moved. “Sometimes I walk through that door into a consultation, and I can see it in a client’s face that they’re frustrated, overwhelmed and they don’t know what to do,” Migdalia says. “And so I explain every step, and by the time we’re done, they’ll say, ‘Oh my goodness. I didn’t know moving could be so easy.’” ◆
Dine and Drink on a Food Tour
Local food tours abound. Milwaukee Food & City Tours, City Tours
MKE and Secret Food Tours are three of the most popular operators, offering brewery, taco and fish fry tours, among many more. Choose one that sounds most delicious! milwaukeefood tours.com; citytoursmke.com; secretfoodtours.com
Catch Some Sun at Accessible Bradford Beach
Unlike a lot of beaches, Bradford is completely accessible to folks in wheelchairs. A permanent concrete ramp allows access to the beach, and portable mats go right up to the water. county. milwaukee.gov/en/parks
Visit the Historical Society
Take a one-hour tour of the Milwaukee Historical Society Research Library to explore historic artifacts, check out the vast archives of local lore, and learn how research helps preserve the history of our city. milwaukeehistory.net
Sip Through the Sprecher Brewery Tour
This 45-minute tour takes you behind the scenes of “Milwaukee’s Original Craft Brewery” –which happens to make a lot of soda, too. sprecherbrewery.com
Appreciate the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
This world-class museum and art center features exhibits in all mediums from artists around the world. jmkac.org
Escape at Villa Terrace
When you walk inside this East Side museum, designed like an Italian villa, it really feels like you’ve left Wisconsin for Florence. villaterrace.org
Explore Natural Beauty at the Wehr Nature Center
This natural escape in Whitnall Park has a wetland boardwalk among its trails to explore. It even offers an all-terrain wheelchair to visitors. county.milwaukee.gov
Take an Edelweiss Cruise
Float along the Milwaukee River with an Edelweiss Boat Tour. Special tours include narrated history tours and dinner cruises. edelweissboats.com
SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Find a Unique Gift at Historic Milwaukee Store
Historic Milwaukee’s Downtown shop sells books, accessories,
home goods, office supplies and games – all with a local spin. shop.historicmilwaukee.org
Shop Fresh Produce at the West Allis Farmers Market
Milwaukee is surrounded by great farmers markets – and West Allis’ is the oldest, largest and one of the best. westallisfarmersmarket.com
Catch a Show at Sunset Playhouse
Year-round shows at this Elm Grove community theater include tribute performances highlighting icons like Dean Martin and The Beatles. sunsetplayhouse.com
See the Milwaukee Ballet
The company of classically trained dancers showcases their talent with every elaborate production. milwaukeeballet.org
Take a Trick at Sheepshead
Are you a fan of this classic card game? Find the latest local games at sheepshead.org.
Jam to Jazz in the Park
This free summer concert series always draws a big crowd to see performers in jazz, big band, blues and other genres. easttown.com/jazz-in-the-park
Birdwatch at Schlitz
Audubon Nature Center
Many bird species call this North Shore nature center home year round, as do migrators like the red-tailed hawk and the northern cardinal. schlitzaudubon.org
Paint and Sip at The Farmhouse
This local business offers painting classes and hosts private parties. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced artist, you’ll have fun with the brush while enjoying a glass of wine. farmhouseart.com
Buy a Book at Boswell
The East Side’s Boswell Book Co. is a literature lover’s paradise. boswellbooks.com
See the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra
Performing modern and classical concerts from artists all over the world, the MSO is a local gem. mso.org
Enjoy the Supper Club Experience at Buckatabon
There’s nothing quite like a Wisconsin supper club – and this Tosa spot brings a nostalgic Up North style to the classic meal. thebuckatabon.com
Fill Bags at BAYSHORE
On Milwaukee’s North Shore, BAYSHORE has dozens of shops, restaurants and opportunities
for entertainment all in a walkable mall. thebayshore life.com
Grab a Drink at South Shore Terrace
This accessible Bay View beer garden offers tap beer and a great view of Lake Michigan and the skyline. southshoreterrace.com
Watch Drama Unfold at Next Act Theatre
Next Act puts on intimate dramatic shows, often with a Wisconsin connection. nextact.org
Take a Shopping Trip to Downtown Cedarburg
Cedarburg’s picturesque downtown has over 50 small and specialty shops. bit.ly/ cedarburgstores
Nod Along at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum
You can see over 10,000 bobbleheads at this museum in Walker’s Point – from sports stars to pop culture icons. bobbleheadhall.com
