NIAGARA, Wis. — A friend of mine recently loaned me a book to read titled, “This Chair Rocks — A Manifesto Against Ageism,” written by Ashton Applewhite. This author has made it her mission to help us “wake up to the ageism in and around us, embrace a more nuanced and accurate view of growing older, cheer up, and push back.” Last week I mentioned a particular commercial my husband dislikes so much that he will mute the television every time it begins. Well, according to what I have read in this book so far, that commercial is a classic example of ageism.

In preparation for today’s column, I asked him why he dislikes it so much, and he had three very good reasons for his feelings. First, it implies that aging parents are wrong simply because they are parents who are getting older. Second, the “guy” sets himself up as some kind of expert on appropriate behavior. And third, my husband simply does not agree with what the “guy” has determined to be appropriate. This last reason clearly demonstrates one of the points in Applewhite’s book: we all age differently. So, today, let’s explore this topic of ageism a bit more closely.

Historically, “isms” of all kinds have long existed in our country that both reflect and create inequalities, discrimination and layers of oppression that are reinforced by all systems within society. Consequently, various groups have had to navigate through prejudicial attitudes that are economic, legal, medical and commercial. Our society is full of bias that has already been historically addressed; not eliminated as yet, but at least objected to and protested against. These include racism and sexism and, more recently, ableism (disability rights), gay rights and trans rights.

All prejudice relies on pigeon holing, fear and ignorance. Humanity has historically feared what is different and what they do not understand. It is far simpler to make assumptions about others based upon their differences: the color of their skin, their sex, their sexual preferences and identification, their abilities, and their age. The only legitimate defining attribute worthy of consideration is a person’s character based upon their actions.

For the purposes of this discussion, we need to have an understanding of the meaning of ageism. Ageism is the relegation of older people to second-class citizenship. It is discrimination and stereotyping done solely on the basis of a person’s age. Applewhite states that ageism is “woven deeply into our capitalistic system and upending it will involve social and political upheaval.” She continues, “Although we age in different ways … ageism makes growing older in America far harder than it has to be.” Consequently, it is high time to mobilize against discrimination on the basis of age.

I was surprised to learn the actual percentage of older Americans who live in nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities. I guessed that about 40% of the aging population lived in these facilities, and my husband guessed over half. What would you guess? Would it surprise you to learn that only 2.5% of the population 65 years of age or older live in such facilities? Being so off base on our answers to this question made me wonder what other inaccurate beliefs we, as a society, have concerning the aging process. Applewhite addressed several.

— Our older self will be inferior to our younger self.

— All elderly people are the same, possessing the same weaknesses and inabilities.

— The aging process is to be dreaded, like an inescapable illness.

— Aging signifies the end of living and the beginning of an inevitable decline in the quality of life.

— We now live in the margins of society, no longer making a positive impact but creating a drain on its resources.

Applewhite states that “age bias is the last socially sanctioned prejudice” because we, as aging members of society, do not challenge the insulting stereotypes. This acceptance of an ill-informed picture of the aging process and what the older population still has to offer, is very detrimental. It pits the generations against each other. It robs society of an immense body of knowledge and experience. And it poisons our future by framing longevity as a set of problems instead of the remarkable achievements and opportunities they represent.

So, how do we begin to change the bias against aging. It begins with us — those of us who have attained the venerable age of 65 or older. We first need to look at ourselves differently if we want others to see us for what we are. We are not a single group with all the same qualities. We are a group of distinct individuals who share a similar age — that is all. We are still individuals who are successfully getting older; if we were not successful in this process, we would be dead. And, actually, the older we are, the more different we are; we have all come to this point from a wider array of experiences that have shaped us into the individuals we are becoming.

We need to realize the many benefits of this aging process. First, we are never too old, and it is never too late, to live each day to the fullest of our capabilities — whatever they may be. Our lives do change as we age, for we have lived long enough to know our priorities. We do not waste our time on trivial matters because we have determined what is important and what is not. Because we know that the time we have remaining to us is limited, we make the most of each day to accomplish personal growth and to pursue personal pleasures. This comes as a joyful clarity in our more mature years. We know the value of time so we do not waste it.

I will be writing more on this topic of appreciating our aging process as I read more into the book. And I will share it with you. I think it is important that we combat the stereotypes together. For now, I have decided to abandon the use of the word “aging” in favor of the word “ripening.” Like fruit, we are maturing into our prime … when life tastes its sweetest, and we have the time to enjoy its flavor.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/find the difference, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee with Lisa, 1 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chat, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Lutheran church service with Pastor Steve, 10 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Baking, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; 1500 dice game, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Preschool kids singing, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Father Joe, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Crosswords/self-activities.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:15 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Casino outing, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; faces and places, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10:15 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Mother’s Day party, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/storytelling, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ManorCare/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Sunday: Room visits, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; manicures, 11 a.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Devotional, 9 a.m.; resident council, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; word trivia, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; just jokes, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.

Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Men’s social, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bowling, 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: Crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes, 10 a.m.; secret service assignment, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 2 p.m.; bingo, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Shut the box, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim D., 2 p.m.

Saturday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; 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

774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; 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.; ladder ball, 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.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 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.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

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

Monday: Spa treatments, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing 10:30 a.m.; bunco, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast outing, 8 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Movie, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Kings’ Corners, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center, 415 Main St., is open four days a week, serving soup and sandwich meal from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturdays and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

The center is open, with a new cook preparing meals on site.

Tuesday: Grilled ham and cheese sandwich, french fries and broccoli salad.

Wednesday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato wrap and chicken dumpling soup.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes, vegetables and salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — serving at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili and biscuit.

Tuesday: Meatball sub sandwich, macaroni and cheese and peas.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry, rice, broccoli and cauliflower.

Thursday: Cube steak, mashed potatoes and mixed 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 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. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Smoked sausage (made by the Guardian Angels/Knights of Columbus) and sauerkraut.

Tuesday: Ground beef goulash and homemade cornbread.

Wednesday: Beef tips and steamed white rice.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA, independent from above menu) —

Monday: Chili dog, french fries and corn.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, glazed carrots and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Tuna melt, cheesy cauliflower and tater tots.

Thursday: Stuffed peppers, rice and carrots.

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: Chili dog, french fries and corn.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, glazed carrots and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Tuna melt, cheesy cauliflower and tater tots.

Thursday: Stuffed peppers, rice and carrots.

Friday: Chicken salad sandwich, string cheese and fruit.

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:

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

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

Monday: Biscuits and gravy and fried apples.

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry, coleslaw and fortune cookie.

Wednesday: Beef stew, biscuits and pudding cup.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chili dog, french fries and corn.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, glazed carrots and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Tuna melt, cheesy cauliflower and tater tots.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Spanish rice, dark green salad, cauliflower and fruit.

Tuesday: Lasagna roll-ups, carrots, spinach salad, bread sticks and fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Mother’s Day dinner — Roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, bean medley, fruit crisp and topping.

Friday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, potato salad, baked beans 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 is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Sloppy Joe on a bun, oven potatoes, corn and fruit cup.

Tuesday: Vegetable egg bake with cheese, hashbrown potatoes, banana, tomato juice and whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Mother’s Day party — Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked potato, Monte Carlo vegetables, side salad, whole wheat bread and strawberry shortcake.

Thursday: Hobo dinner with hamburger, potato, carrots and gravy, green beans, fruit crisp and breadstick.

Friday: Pork loin with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, applesauce and whole wheat bread.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Omelet, ham, hashbrowns, milk or fruit juice.

Tuesday: Chicken soup, string cheese, dinner roll, milk or fruit juice.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, carrots, applesauce, milk or fruit juice.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, milk or fruit juice.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Monday: Open-faced turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and Jell-O.

Tuesday: Egg salad sandwich, chips, broccoli slaw and cottage cheese with fruit.

Wednesday: Pork chop, Spanish rice with black beans, broccoli and fruit fluff.

Thursday: Mother’s Day dinner — beef tips, mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll and pie.

The center will offer bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating, 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: Ham, cheesy potatoes and vegetable.

Tuesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, red potatoes and vegetable.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy and squash.

Thursday: Cod, scalloped potatoes and green beans.

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

Center activity schedule:

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

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

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

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: Roast pork, mashed potatoes and peas.

Wednesday: Ravioli with meat sauce, broccoli, garlic bread and fruit.

Thursday: Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce, noodles and California blend vegetables.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chili dog, French fries and corn.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, glazed carrots and spiced fruit.

Wednesday: Tuna melt, cheesy cauliflower and tater tots.