WIHA Update | Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging

July 2025

WIHA Programs Drive Health Behavior Change—and Save Money

Did you know that up to 30% of health outcomes are influenced by health behaviors? That’s exactly where WIHA programs make an impact. Our evidence-based workshops help individuals take charge of their health through goal-setting, skill-building, and boosting self-efficacy.

And the results speak for themselves.

In 2024 alone, WIHA programs saved nearly $2 million in emergency department and hospitalization costs. Since 2010, our programs have generated more than $38 million in healthcare savings. (Learn more from our By-The-Numbers Report.)

Program Outcome Highlights:

• Stepping On – Reduces falls by 31%
• Living Well with Chronic Conditions – Saves $870 per participant in health care costs
• Healthy Living with Diabetes – Saves $1,046 per participant in health care costs
• Healthy Living with Chronic Pain – Saves $870 per participant in health care costs
• Mind Over Matter – 71% of participants saw improvements in bladder leakage; 55% in bowel leakage
• Stand Up for Your Health – Reduces sedentary time by 68 minutes per day
• Walk with Ease – Improves balance, strength, and walking pace

Ready to learn more?

Visit our website and click on the program that interests you to explore all available programs and health outcomes.

Program Adaptations

While WIHA’s evidence-based programs are often described as rigorous and scripted to ensure delivery with fidelity, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all—especially when serving the many diverse cultural communities across Wisconsin.

We want you to know that there is some flexibility when it comes to program adaptations. Some modifications—like updating character names in a script—are simple and often easily approved. Others, such as changing the number of program sessions, may be more complex or currently not allowable.

The best first step is always to connect with WIHA. Our program leads are here to help you determine whether a change is pre-approved, requires approval from the program developer, or may need further research to ensure it maintains the integrity and outcomes of the program. We’re here to support your success in delivering impactful, culturally relevant programs!

Coalition Updates

Falls Prevention Awareness Month is in September and Falls Free Wisconsin is gearing up! Check out the following pages for great information to share in your community:

• Falls Prevention for Caregivers handouts
• Pop-Up Falls Free Wisconsin Coalition Webinar
• Magnet Contest
• Falls Free WI Event Calendar
• Live Screening: Defying Gravity (will not be recorded - a great opportunity to host a viewing party!)

Interested in participating on the Falls Free Wisconsin Coalition, contact suzanne.morley@wihealthyaging.org

The next network meeting is August 19, 2:00-3:30pm. Register here.

Program Updates

Stepping On: Just added to the website

• New flyer & social media graphics
• Updated PowerPoint for Virtual Workshops
• Updated Technical Assistance Guides

Mind Over Matter: COMING SOON

• Spanish version! No cross-training needed. Any bilingual facilitator may purchase the Spanish version of the manual and offer the workshop in Spanish.
• Minor updates made to the English materials as we were preparing the materials for translations (things like updating page numbers and removing blank pages). A cheat sheet with updates will be sent out when ready. If you would like to purchase a new version of the Facilitator Manual, you may - but the old version still applies so you are not required to do so.
• Materials are not yet finalized but all MOM facilitators and program providers will be notified when they are (Expected: August 2025).

Office Hours

Missed office hours? Watch the recording!

WIHA holds Office Hours 9-10am on the 2nd Tuesday of every 3rd month. Upcoming dates:

• October 9

Upcoming Facilitator Trainings

•August 27-28 Mind Over Matter (Virtual)

•Sept 10-11 Stand Up for Your Health (Virtual)

•Sept 16-18 Stepping On (Virtual)

•Oct 8, 9, 15, 16 Healthy Living with Diabetes (Milwaukee)

•Oct 29-30 Mind Over Matter (Virtual)

•Nov 4, 5, 11, 12 Pisando Fuerte (Virtual)

•Nov 12-22 Wednesdays Healthy Living with Chronic Pain CROSS Training (Virtual)

Legislative Update

WIHA was not included in the Governor’s budget this biennium—but we’re not giving up. We’re now advocating for a bill to fund falls prevention efforts across Wisconsin. This funding will be critical to WIHA’s ability to expand and sustain our impact. Please review the issue brief above for more information.

How You Can Help:

Contact your state legislators to share the importance of falls prevention and encourage their support of this bill. Stay tuned for future WIHA advocacy updates with specific action steps. Thank you for your continued support!

Upcoming Age Well Series

TIP: Hold a watch party in your community! It's a great way to share the information being presented, while also increasing social connection.

• V1 - with button
• V2 - with QR Code
• V3 - No registration

Future Topics:

Sept 9: Falls Prevention

Oct 22: Oral Health

Nov 6: Ageism

Nov 9-15: Social Connection Awareness Week

Dec: TBD

More information to come.

WIHA Team

Thank You, Sponsors!

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