Highlights from Madison’s First Coffee & Conversations

On Thursday, May 22^nd, AARP WI was thrilled to bring our Coffee & Conversations series to Madison for the first time, hosted at Mercies Coffee. These conversations invite community members to gather over a morning beverage and engage in meaningful dialogue on topics that empower aging and strengthen local connections.

The focus of this session was Housing Options, sparking a rich and thoughtful discussion about how we can age in place while staying rooted in the communities we love.

We kicked things off by asking attendees how confident they felt that their current homes and neighborhoods would continue to meet their needs as they age. While many expressed satisfactions with their present living situations, long-term suitability was a recurring concern.

The option of moving was reluctantly brought up, but more appealing considerations included improvements to current homes, from one-unit washer and dryers to zero-entry construction projects. We discovered a collective desire to fix up one’s current home to adapt to present and future needs.

This preference for staying put reflects more than just a desire to avoid the hassle of moving. It underscores the deep value of community. Attendees emphasized how essential it is to remain close to friends, neighbors, and support networks.

Transportation was also a key theme, with Madison’s new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system receiving praise for helping residents stay connected across neighborhoods. Still, the consensus was clear: being able to remain within one’s established community is ideal.

Wrapping up, we explored Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These independent living spaces, located on the same lot as a primary home, were valued by the group as a flexible housing option that could generate income or serve as future living arrangements. For many, this was a new concept, and it sparked curiosity and enthusiasm to learn more. We encourage you to explore more about ADUs here.

Conversations like these highlight the importance of advocating for a range of housing options, whether that means diverse structures within our communities or adaptable features within our own homes to support aging in place.

Housing is more than just a shelter; it’s the foundation for connection, independence, and dignity as we age. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and look forward to continuing these important conversations across Wisconsin.