Madison’s Top Programs for Senior Support

Everyone needs a little support as they age, and trying to go it alone is not a great idea. If you live in the Madison area, you don’t have to. Madison has some great community programs for older adults. Following are some reasons why getting involved in a community program is a smart idea and descriptions of community programs available in the Madison area.

Are you wondering why on earth you would want to go to a senior center and play bingo? That’s the old, stereotyped impression that many people have about community programs for older adults. Today, however, senior community programs offer much, much more than bingo. The many programs and resources available can be of great benefit to seniors in the following ways:

• Older adults who participate in community programs experience improved health, more social interaction, and greater satisfaction with life.
• Seniors who attend senior center programs are more likely to delay the onset of chronic disease or at least improve their ability to manage symptoms.
• Senior centers serve as a focal point for delivery of services funded through the Older Americans Act (OAA), allowing seniors to access multiple resources in one place.
• Senior community programs connect older adults to community services and agencies that can help older adults stay safe, healthy, and independent.
• Senior centers often play a part in emergency response, helping to save the lives of older adults during disasters or pandemics. (Link)

Clearly seniors who get involved in community programs benefit in a wide variety of ways. Yes, these benefits are available to you in Madison.

Madison has several community programs for older adults. Some are open to the public and some require membership, but anyone who meets the program’s age requirements can join. Here is a listing of senior community programs in Madison:

Madison Senior Center - Located at 330 West Mifflin Street, the Madison Senior Center has been in operation since 1983 and is run by the City of Madison. The center offers a wide variety of programs and resources relevant to older adults. The center also serves as an access point to services offered by the National Commission on Aging and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for Older Adults, and the Dane County Department of Health Services for Older Adults. Access to NewBridge Madison, the new agency that helps seniors age in place, is also available through the senior center. Some of the programs offered include:

• Nutrition services
• Assistance accessing public benefits for older adults
• Health screenings
• Educational and recreational programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Special events (Link)

North/Eastside Senior Coalition (NESCO) - This organization is located at 1625 Northport Drive, #125, in the Warner Park Community Recreation Center. In operation for over 40 years, NESCO offers community based services, resources for aging in place, and special events. Some of the programs offered include:

• Meal sites in the Warner Park and Goodman Community Centers
• Case management
• A volunteer based home chore program
• Foot care clinics
• Cultural diversity programs to reduce barriers for seniors who are African American or Latino
• Support groups for veterans and grief counseling
• Recreational opportunities
• Special events (Link)

Monona Senior Center - This center, run by the City of Monona, is located just southeast of Madison at 1011 Nichols Road, Monona. The Monona Senior Center offers a wide variety of programs to adults age 50 and older, including:

• Senior meal programs
• Case management
• Recreational and fitness programs
• Foot care clinics
• Bus service for seniors
• Volunteer opportunities
• Support groups for veterans and seniors with low vision
• Special events (Link)

Middleton Senior Center - Just west of Madison, the Middleton Senior Center is run by the City of Middleton and is located at 7448 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton. A wide variety of services and programs are offered to adults age 55 and older, including:

• Case management
• Health screenings and foot care clinics
• Support groups for essential tremor, caregivers, and Al-Anon
• Nutrition services
• Transportation services to the meal site, shopping, and medical appointments
• Lifelong learning and fitness classes
• Social groups, entertainment, and community outings
• Volunteer opportunities
• Special events (Link)

Fitchburg Senior Center - To the south of Madison is the City of Fitchburg, which runs the Fitchburg Senior Center, located at 5510 Lacy Road in the Fitchburg Community Center. The many offerings of this senior center to adults age 60 and older include:

• Nutrition services
• Social work services 
• A medical equipment loan closet
• Foot care clinics, massage therapy, and acupuncture
• Exercise classes and recreational opportunities
• Educational opportunities
• A support group for caregivers
• Rides to medical appointments
• Volunteer opportunities
• Special events
• Travel opportunities (Link)

Sharing Active Independent Lives (SAIL) - SAIL is a non-profit membership program for seniors, offered by AgeBetter Inc. This member-led program offers services and activities for adults age 55 and older. The program, located at 6209 Mineral Point Road, Suite 210, is funded by membership dues, donations, and grants. Some of the programs and activities available through SAIL include:

• Pre-screened service providers
• Professional Services Members who provide real estate, legal, or healthcare services.
• House and well being checks
• Volunteer opportunities and volunteer home services
• Medication reviews
• Emergency preparedness
• Notary services
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Educational programs
• Social activities and special events (Link)

Madison offers a fantastic range of community programs that provide valuable support for older adults. Whether you're interested in staying active, accessing health services, or simply connecting with others, there's something for everyone. These programs are designed to make aging easier, more enjoyable, and more connected. By getting involved, you can enhance your quality of life, maintain your independence, and stay engaged in the community. With so many options right at your doorstep, there’s no need to go it alone—Madison’s senior programs are here to help you thrive