by Cynthia Germain

In the Fall of 2024, we launched something new—something hopeful, practical, and full of purpose. The Vitality in Aging program, made possible through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services in collaboration with the Aging Coalition of Door County, spanned six months and invited older adults in Door County to take a closer look at their own wellness. Although social connection was the focus, physical health and nutrition were also a big part of this unique program, bringing together three vital pillars of aging.

We called it Vitality because we know aging isn’t about decline. It’s about living with energy, intention, and community. And now, as we close the chapter on this pilot program, we’re proud to say: it worked!

What made this program special wasn’t just its structure, it was the people. The over 70 older adults from across Door County were the success. They completed pre- and post-assessments, diligently tracked their daily habits, and engaged in weekly meetups —all designed to help them reflect, reset, and re-engage in their own well-being.

Each participant received a custom binder filled with tools, resources, and tracking sheets. They were encouraged to complete daily logs reflecting their activities and choices—small, everyday actions that added up to meaningful change. Weekly educational materials reinforced healthy habits and invited reflection. Along the way, many participants shared their stories, ideas, and encouragement with each other and with us.

A unique and nostalgic feature of the program was its S&H Green Stamps-inspired rewards system. Participants earned stamps for completing wellness activities, which they could redeem for prizes. This familiar and tangible incentive proved to be a powerful motivator, especially among older generations who fondly remembered saving stamps for rewards.

Here are just a few highlights of the outcomes:

• Significant reduction in loneliness, as measured by the UCLA Loneliness Assessment Tool.
• Increased meal frequency, with more participants reporting eating three meals per day.
• Walking was the most common physical activity, and nearly 80% of participants agreed the program helped them be more physically active.
• More than two-thirds of participants felt socially encouraged by their participation.

We also learned that simply creating space for people to pay attention to their well-being—and offering a little structure—can be transformative. Many told us they felt empowered to make small changes that made a big difference.

You can read the full report here: Vitality in Aging Final Report

Now that the pilot program has concluded, we’re taking time to evaluate what worked best and how we can evolve it moving forward. Could this become an annual offering? A tool for faith communities or social groups? A way for neighbors to connect and support one another through intentional wellness? These are the questions we’re exploring as we look ahead.

What’s clear is that Vitality in Aging met a real need—and sparked a real shift in the conversation about aging. Thank you to all the participants, the great members of the Aging Coalition of Door County, the funders and supporters of the project, and a special nod to the humble S&H Green Stamps—a beloved relic from the past that helped spark motivation in the present. Who knew that a little stamp could still inspire so much joy, engagement, and follow-through? Their spirit of saving and reward reminded us that small efforts can still lead to big payoffs, especially when we’re working towards aging with ease.