NIAGARA, Wis. — A few weeks ago, this column contained my frustrations about getting older after a particularly exasperating morning. I complained about everything from not being able to open cereal boxes, to messing up the TV remote control, to the plethora of cryptic reminder notes on the kitchen counter. I recently read an uplifting collection of wise thoughts that extolled the benefits of aging and offered perspectives that I had never before considered. After I read through them, I thought I owed it to all of you to share the positives of our age since I had just burdened you with my complaints.

English writer W. Somerset Maugham set the tone with the following: “The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquility of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.” I rather liked the suggestion of thinking of this stage of life as a tranquil evening to be appreciated and enjoyed.

I also especially liked the idea that this stage of life had more meaning if we had been useful to others in our younger years and continued to have something to offer the world as we aged. Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung very practically explained, “A human being would certainly not grow to be 70 or 80 years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species to which he belongs. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life’s morning.” Susan B. Anthony saw aging as the ability to become more useful to her fellow man when she said, “The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball — the further I am rolled the more I gain.”

Warren Buffet offered these wise words: “When you get to my age, you’ll really measure your success in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you. I know people who have a lot of money, and they get testimonial dinners and they get hospital wings named after them. But the truth is that nobody in the world loves them. If you get to my age in life and nobody thinks well of you, I don’t care how big your bank account is, your life is a disaster.” At 92 years old, Buffet is the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway investment firm and is currently the sixth-wealthiest person in the world.

Henry Ford emphasized the importance of an active mind and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge as we age. “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”

The wealth of experience possessed by seniors was extolled by many as a virtue of getting older. Madeleine L’Engle, a prolific American author of young adult fiction, stated, “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” And for Frances Lear, also a writer, the second half of life is far more enjoyable. “I believe the second half of one’s life is meant to be better than the first half. The first half is finding out how you do it. And the second half is enjoying it.”

We are all familiar with the quips that compare getting older to the improvement of fine wine as it ages. English singer-songwriter and actor David Bowie offered another unique perspective when he said, “If you are pining for youth, I think it produces a stereotypically old man because you only live in memory, you live in a place that doesn’t exist. I think aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person that you always should have been.” Bowie died at the age of 69, having become a legend during the 1970s.

Along these same lines, there is a perspective offered by many that it is most beneficial to us when we embrace our aging process and appreciate it as another plane of existence. Sophia Loren offers, “There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your experience, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Nikki Giovanni, now 79, is an American poet, educator and activist. At age 64 she said, “I still look good. I appreciate and enjoy my age … A lot of people resist transition and therefore never allow themselves to enjoy who they are. Embrace the change, no matter what it is; once you do, you can learn about the new world you’re in and take advantage of it. You still bring to bear all your prior experience, but you’re riding on another level. It’s completely liberating.”

Folks also offered their perspectives on the aging spirit or soul. Minister and columnist Frank Crane, best known for his compilation “Four Minute Essays,” said, “Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” And George Santayana, a philosopher and writer popular in the first half of the 20th century, shared this insight: “Nothing is inherently and invincibly young except spirit. And spirit can enter a human being perhaps better in the quiet of old age and dwell there more undisturbed than in the turmoil of adventure.”

Obviously, this business of aging has preoccupied the thoughts of many who have come before us. It is quite natural to engage in the paradoxical thinking that has us wishing to live a long life while still lamenting the fact that we are getting older. We surely cannot have it both ways! So, while we cannot change the fact that our bodies are definitely aging, our minds can help give us new perspectives. And, hopefully, along with those different thoughts will come a new appreciation of our ever-increasing years.

Recently, in conversation with my youngest son, I was explaining what a difficult time I was having selecting the pictures I liked best from the assortment of proofs sent to us by a professional photographer. We all have a “mental image” of how we look. Even when we look in the mirror our mental image is what looks back at us. It isn’t until we see ourselves in a photo, when there is no hiding the wrinkles, sagging eyes and chin, that we fully realize the toll the years have taken. But, bless his heart, my son told me to embrace it all because “I had earned every line.” This is also the son who has nicknamed my walker the “Boomer Scooter.”

So, I leave you with that thought and the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.”

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; reminisce and cocoa, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social/book club, 10 a.m.; Family Dollar, 12:30 p.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; name that word, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; storytelling, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: First Lutheran bell choir, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film,1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; Trinity Lutheran carolers, 4 p.m.

Friday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Auxiliary beer and pizza party, 2 p.m.; holiday movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Price Is Right/trivia, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica

(formerly Manor Care)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

Sunday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; balloon ball, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; leisure cart, p.m.

Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church service, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; po-ke-no, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection-control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Christmas crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; tic-tac trivia and hot cocoa, 10 a.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary and communion, 9 a.m.; creative art painting project, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Christmas ornament craft, 10 a.m.; rosary and communion,1 p.m.; joker-eno, 2p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Men’s breakfast, 7 a.m.; Christmas crafts, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; Christmas movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Packers vs. Bears, noon; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time., 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don,10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study,1 p.m.; trivia, 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.; music with Todd in the dining room, 5 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.

Monday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Decorating, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Christmas movie, 2 p.m.;

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open and has welcomed a new cook who will prepare meals on site.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, peas and salad.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and corn.

Thursday: Chili and grilled cheese sandwich.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken stir fry, rice and Oriental vegetables.

Tuesday: Kielbasa, boiled potatoes and sauerkraut.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, baked potato and corn.

Thursday: Italian fiesta with meatballs, garlic bread and California blend vegetables.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is now open on Mondays and is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – those planning to use takeout should call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week –

Monday: Sloppy Joes and tater tots.

Tuesday: Chicken pot pie with biscuit topping.

Wednesday: Spaghetti, Italian sausage and garlic bread.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256 ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only – call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Lemon pepper fish, winter blend vegetables and rice.

Tuesday: Chili, cornbread and oyster crackers.

Wednesday: Cheese omelet, hashbrowns and treat.

Thursday: Baked chicken, tater tots and green beans.

Friday: Calzone, breadstick and cauliflower with cheese.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week is:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting 9 a.m

Tuesday: Cards – Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating – call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Swedish pancakes, strawberries and sausage.

Tuesday: Fish sticks or bratwurst, baked potato, peas and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Chili and toasted cheese sandwich.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, baked potato, roasted Brussel sprouts and fruit.

Tuesday: Loaded baked potato soup, dark green salad, breadsticks and fruit.

Wednesday: Spaghetti with meat sauce, cranberry spinach salad, garlic bread and apple cranberry crisp.

Thursday: Baked ham, company potatoes, green bean casserole, whole wheat dinner rolls, fruit pie and ice cream.

Friday: Philly cheese steak casserole, carrots and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program for those who are homebound is available.

Monday: Breaded chicken breast, oven potatoes, mixed vegetables and fresh fruit/apple.

Tuesday: Cabbage casserole, baby carrots, French bread and fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Barbecued chicken legs, twice-baked potatoes, broccoli, fruit cup and banana cream pie.

Thursday: Bourbon steak, coconut rice, Key Largo vegetables, lettuce salad and fruit whip.

Friday: Vegetable, beef soup, ham and Swiss sandwich, pea and cheese salad and tropical fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joe, macaroni and cheese and baked beans.

Tuesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, corn and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, biscuit and applesauce.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, green beans and garlic bread.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $4.50 for those older than 60 and $7 for those 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Baked fish, baby potatoes, coleslaw, rye bread and ice cream.

Tuesday: Taco casserole, Spanish rice, refried beans and fruited Jell-O with topping.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, au gratin potatoes, green beans and pudding.

Thursday: Egg bake, sausage links, hash brown potatoes, muffin and juice.

Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stew, peas and biscuit.

Tuesday: Cabbage roll casserole, biscuit and sugar snap peas.

Wednesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and green beans.

Thursday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Board meets on Thursday at 1 p.m.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays: Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday: Card game 101, noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays: Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays: Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month: Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month: Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Lasagna, garlic bread and green beans.

Wednesday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy and carrots.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, rice and broccoli.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.