Healthy Aging Resources

Home Safety

Fall prevention is an integral factor to healthy aging. There are local, in-person learning opportunities available. The Wauwatosa Health Department is committed to fall prevention. Learn more.

Additionally, we participate in the Milwaukee County Falls Prevention Coalition which addresses the adult community’s risk of falling by providing access to comprehensive programs and targeted interventions. See their website for more information and fall prevention tips.

Reducing Social Isolation & Loneliness

25% of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated, meaning the number of contacts they have with others is small. 43% report feeling lonely, meaning they have a thirst for connection. Those who lack social connection are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, develop dementia, have an increased risk for falls and are more at risk for severe depression and earlier morbidity.

New Program: Tosa’s Men’s Shed

Tosa Men’s Shed is a program designed for older men to connect and find community. This program is open to any man, no need to be a resident of Wauwatosa. Programming is designed by participants, based on group interests. The Tosa Men’s Shed meets the third Friday of the month from 10AM – 12PM at the Firefly Room of the Wauwatosa Library, unless otherwise noted. Contact Michael Figueroa Osorio for more information.

Practical Tips for Reducing Isolation:

  • Social Activities: Clubs, book clubs, card groups, pen pal programs, meals, support groups
  • Physical Activities: Home or fitness center exercise program, walks, gardening, yoga
  • Learning Activities & Brain Health: Trivia, brain teasers, health promotion program
  • Entertainment Resources: Coloring books, music/theater performances, online museums, writing group
  • Nurturing positivity: Gratitude journaling, mindfulness, spirituality
  • Wellness Calls
  • Volunteer opportunities

Electronic Resources for Social Engagement

    • Telephone Reassurance Program– Daily wellness checks for older adults. Supported by volunteers and staff of Vital Voices in partnership with Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Services.
    • AARP Friendly Voice – Friendly calls from AARP volunteers.
    • Friendship Line – Institute on Aging; crisis intervention and non-emergency hotline for emotional support phone calls.
    • Well Connected – Virtual classes, conversations and activities by phone. Available in English and Spanish.

Transportation Options for Older Adults

Preparedness

  • File of Life
  • Disaster Planning
  • Lock Box Program
    • Lock boxes provide an alternative to forced entry of your home for emergency responders. The boxes are only accessible by authorized personnel in the event of an emergency. In Wauwatosa, only the Wauwatosa Fire Department has a key that can open the lock box. For further information on purchasing a lock box contact the Fire Department non-emergency number (414) 471-8490.

Health

Energy Assistance Program

The Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for heating costs, electric costs, and energy crisis situations for qualified Milwaukee County residents. Call (414) 270-4653 for eligibility.

Home Renovation Assistance

Revitalize Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization in which skilled and unskilled volunteers repair homes for low-income elderly and/or disabled homeowners who are unable to repair or afford the work themselves. The goal of the program is to address the safety, security, and independence of the homeowner. Guidelines apply. Chosen recipients receive all repairs free of charge. Repairs are completed safely and in compliance with current building code guidelines. For income guidelines and to apply for the program visit the website or call 414-312-7531.

City of Wauwatosa Home Rehabilitation Program offers critical home repair for low to moderate income residents.

Milwaukee County Home Repair Program offers no-interest loans to income-qualified homeowners in the suburban communities of Milwaukee County. Visit their website at county.milwaukee.gov/housing or call (414) 278-4917.

Additional Resources for Wauwatosa Older Adults

Age Friendly Tosa

What does it mean to be Age-Friendly?

Wauwatosa’s membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities means that our elected leadership has made a commitment to actively work with residents and local advocates to make Wauwatosa an age-friendly place to live. The goal is to support the efforts of our residents who makes Wauwatosa a great place for people of all ages.

People choose to live and stay in Wauwatosa because it’s an inclusive and accessible place. We’re proud that AARP has recognized our commitment to, and investment in, affordable housing, public spaces, and health services that provide a great living environment for people of all ages and types.

 

The 8 Domains of Livability framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages.

Age Friendly Tosa

In order to make Wauwatosa more age-friendly and livable, we conducted a survey in spring of 2022. Please take a minute to read about the results of this survey. Our Age-Friendly Steering Committee used the results of this community survey to guide the creation of our Wauwatosa Age-Friendly action plan. Find out more about our plans to improve housing, social connection and communication for people of all ages in Wauwatosa.

As part of our Age-Friendly initiative, AARP Wisconsin sponsored a Decades Dinner. A Decades Dinner is an opportunity to bring people of all ages together to discuss a variety of topics so that we may all learn from one another, and see how much we have in common despite our age differences. The group thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company and indeed found many commonalities.

Community participation is key to creating a successful age friendly community. To find out more about Age-Friendly Tosa view our virtual kickoff celebration. To find out how you can get involved, email Carmen Pangilinan.

Fall Prevention: A Plan for Healthy Aging

A fall, even one with no or minimal injury, can significantly impact the quality of life for older adults. This can lead to a fear of falls, loss of confidence, decreased activity, and social isolation, all of which increase the risk for future falls.

A fall with injury can have a more immediate impact affecting well-being, finances, and could even lead to a loss of independence.

Did you know:

  • 1 in 4 people over age 65 fall every year in the US
  • 29.3% of Wauwatosa households have a family member age 65 or older
  • Falls are the #1 cause of non-natural deaths and injury in older adults
  • Falls are not a natural part of aging and can be prevented

Community is Key

Fall prevention is an integral factor to healthy aging. There are local, in-person learning opportunities available to you or your loved ones.

5 Steps to Prevent Falls

Exercise:
Starting a simple fall prevention specific exercise routine can improve your balance and strength which may help you a stop fall from happening.

  • Join a local exercise class such as Tai Chi or Yoga
  • Practice a daily exercise routine focused on strength and balance
  • Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that are right for you

Home Safety:
Take a look at your home at least once a year to spot safety concerns. Refer to a Fall safety checklist for more tips:

  • Remove throw rugs, cluttered areas, and trip hazards
  • Add light to darkened hallways and stairways
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms
  • Keep items such as glasses within easy reach
  • Slow down
  • Be aware of distractions and prioritize your balance

Did you know that Wauwatosa has a 0% interest loan program that can help with home modifications such as accessibility improvements? Learn more about Wauwatosa’s Home Repair program.

Check out other local programs that offer home safety assessments and modifications, such as Bridgeway Independent Living Designs.

Additional resources:

Vision Checks:
Changes in your eye prescription may take a while to adapt to and increases fall risk. As we age eyes become slower to adjust to changes in light and are more affected by glare. Vision at night and in low light settings can be diminished and edges and can become blurry.

  • Wear your glasses and keep them clean
  • Wear sunglasses
  • Scan area 6 feet in front of you as you walk. Avoid looking at your feet.
  • Have your eyes checked yearly and if you experience any changes.

Visit Vision Forward for low vision services and adaptive products.

Foot checks and stable footwear:
As we age our feet change too. These changes may include strength in your feet and toes, and mobility in your ankles. Safe and stable footwear can greatly reduce your risk of falling.

What does stable footwear look like?

  • The shoe or slipper fits well and is secured to your foot
  • The sole has a good grip
  • Your heel is supported and is no higher than 1.5 inches or too narrow

Have your feet checked for pain or any change in sensation, and have regular toenail routine.

Medication review:
Many medications and supplements we take every day can increase our risk of falling especially those that lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety or depression, and aid in sleep.

Some medications may interact together and cause unintentional effects.

Side effects that increase your risk are light headedness, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired balance, confusion, and slowed movements.

Review all side effects with your doctor.

  • Ask your medical doctor or local pharmacist to review all medications.
  • Keep an updated list of your medications including over the counter medications, herbs and supplements and bring it to all your appointments with you FDA Med list
  • Stay informed. It is important to know what medications you take and how they affect you.
  • Write down your questions and bring them to your medical appointments.

Additional Resources