NIAGARA, Wis. — Most of you reading this column are part of the baby boom generation having been born after World War II. Because of our numbers, we impacted society like no other generation before us. There were many pluses to being members of such a large segment of the population. We filled neighborhood schools, and our neighborhoods were filled with playmates. Our sports teams were never short of players, and extracurricular activities of all kinds were available. We were marketed to; entire product lines were designed with our generation in mind. As we grew older, teenage bars provided many opportunities to meet new friends. We had the numbers to affect political change as we marched in protest of the Vietnam War and in support of the civil rights movement.

Of course, being part of such a large population of adults impacted us negatively as well. Competition in the job market was fierce. Consequently, we had no leverage with our bosses and little ability to negotiate a pay raise. We knew we were lucky to have a job and also realized there was a file drawer full of 50 applications from people waiting to replace us if we did not toe the line.

I recently read an article in the AARP Bulletin that outlined the many ways in which our generation is still changing America. Its subtitle says it all: “An Aging Population is Shaking Up Our Country.” It explains that the “boomers” still have the numbers and the vitality to ensure that this disruption to society will continue to roll through the American economy, culture, society and politics. American Association of Retired Persons states, “We, at midlife and beyond, are more than just consumers and wealth holders. We are workers, thinkers, influencers and innovators with the power to shape markets and exert pressure on corporations and elected leaders. We must use that power to push for an America that is better prepared for our needs as we — and those who follow us — journey through life to old age.” AARP continued to illustrate our influence in the following key areas.

We continue to impact the workplace as the number of workers 65 and older has mushroomed by 117% in a span of 20 years. Hiring older workers has become a lot more attractive as an estimated 10 million jobs in America are sitting unfilled. Recruitment efforts now target employees of all ages. Older workers are more likely to find their preferences met by employers who are eager to have them. Companies are more apt to allow remote work and more part-time hours. “Boomerang” programs have been developed that allow retirees to return to the job on a part-time basis to do the work they most enjoyed. Another trend is “returnships,” which are short-term employment programs intended to help people who have been out of the workforce ease their way back into it.

Older Americans spend heavily on health care and products and services that will help them maintain their health. More than previous generations, boomers want to remain as active and healthy as possible. And the market is reacting to this demand. Giants like Walmart and Target are making major investments in health services and products. Dollar General is piloting mobile health care units that roll up in front of their stores for on-demand doctor appointments. Practitioners trained in “age-friendly” care are setting up mobile clinics in places such as CVS Pharmacy and other convenient locations where seniors go to shop. And home care has advanced to bringing hospital-level care into people’s homes. Currently, nearly 300 hospital-at-home programs are running in the United States, and by 2030, an estimated one in six American hospitals will offer them.

The financial services industry is rolling out new programs designed to help boomers create a secure retirement through the development of more products specifically designed for the older investor. Also, government agencies and federal regulators have strengthened efforts to stem financial exploitation of the senior population.

Fitness clubs now offer equipment and exercise programs designed for older members. Treadmills, weight machines and elliptical trainers have been modified to be safer for the more senior user. And there has been an explosion of low-impact workout programs that can be taken at the gym or done at home. America’s fastest-growing sport is pickleball! Even nationally endorsed exercise programs have modified guidelines to encourage more seniors to participate by recognizing that even small amounts of physical activity count toward better health.

The travel and entertainment industries now seek to satisfy the needs of the older consumer. Americans 60 to 69 years of age are the biggest travel spenders, and travelers 50-plus will average four trips annually. The “bucket list” traveler is now more common, and the travel industry now caters to the once-in-a-lifetime traveler. Tours have made many changes and improvements to satisfy older travelers. We boomers also have returned to the movie theaters in droves since COVID was brought under control, and the movies being shown reflect our tastes. The same goes for other entertainers and their road tours. Legacy acts — think Elton John and Bruce Springsteen — still fill stadiums and auditoriums around the country. Billy Joel filled 1.6 million seats at Madison Square Garden. And Las Vegas headlines shows by such legendary performers as Sting, Barry Manilow, Donny Osmond, Rod Stewart and Garth Brooks.

Finally, as voters we boomers still have a major impact on our country’s government. In 2022, older voters proved to be the “deciders” in our country’s elections. A full 61% of ballots cast in the 63 closest races for the House of Representatives were by voters over 50 years of age who are growing impatient on a range of issues. The Inflation Reduction Act was finally passed that allows Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies over the cost of many prescriptions. Issues of concern to older voters include: more government support for family caregivers, brain health and better assessment of individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Two dozen states are developing strategies to address the needs of their older residents. It is recognized that our country is at a near-crisis point where the needs of our aging population must be addressed. Skilled nursing facilities need staffing. Family caregivers need support. Initiatives of all kinds are needed to help people stay in their own homes — to age in place — for as long as possible.

Because of our sheer numbers, we boomers have a big voice that translates into a big influence. It feels pretty good to still have that kind of clout. But with our power comes our responsibility to create the change our country and its people need. Done right, we can help pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

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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, 10 a.m.; Andy the dog visiting/residents’ choice, 1 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Church with Lisa, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; crossword, 1:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Crafts, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; finish craft work, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; science fun, 1:30 p.m.; shut the box, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Jam workout, 10 a.m.; jumbled, 10:30 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, 10 a.m.; love for color, 2 p.m.; word search, 6 p.m.

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, 1:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; cooking club, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/travel club, 10 a.m.; fiesta party with Larry Jankowski/wear your fiesta attire, 2 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.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Wii fun, 2 p.m.; web browsing, 2:30 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/room visits, 9 a.m.; Yooper Fest in Alpha, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Sunday: Reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; U.S. Air Force facts, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Leisure cart, 9 a.m.; devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pirate craft, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ice cream cones, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Morning mixer, 9:30 a.m.; devotional, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; fall craft, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Coffee and news, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; exercise, kickball, 10 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; exercise, bag toss, 10 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.

Friday: Uno, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Morning mingle/spelling bee, 10 a.m.; western 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. No group activities are planned at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Crystal, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Pastor Jim, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; ladder ball/refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

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

Monday: Lunch outing, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; karaoke, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; mind joggers, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Shopping outing, 10:30 a.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; fish fry outing, 11:30 a.m.; spa treatments and manicures, 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

The center at 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. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage and cottage cheese.

Wednesday: Beef stew, coleslaw and fruit.

Thursday: Lemon pepper cod, browned potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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: Beef stew and biscuit.

Tuesday: Cheese burger, potatoes and baked beans.

Wednesday: Chicken breast, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.

Thursday: French toast, hash browns and sausage.

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: Spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread.

Tuesday: Baked chicken and rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Pork chops and mashed potatoes.

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

Monday: Tuna casserole, dinner roll and Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Beef taco, Mexi-rice and cornbread.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, beets and dinner roll.

Thursday: Shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, Capri vegetables and fruit.

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: Tuna casserole, dinner roll and Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Beef taco, Mexi-rice and cornbread.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, beets, dinner roll.

Thursday: Shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, capri vegetables and fruit.

Friday: Mexican spaghetti, cauliflower with cheese sauce and garlic bread.

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: 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.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

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

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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: Swedish pancakes, strawberries and sausage.

Tuesday: French bread pizza and chips.

Wednesday: Night meal at 5 p.m., chicken and spaghetti, rosemary Italian bread, peas, strawberry shortcake; salad bar at 4:30 p.m.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Tuna casserole, dinner roll and Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Beef taco, Mexi-rice and cornbread.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, beets and dinner roll.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Baked chicken, au gratin potatoes, spinach salad, squash and fruit.

Tuesday: Split pea and ham soup, bread sticks and fruit cup.

Wednesday: Hot pork sandwich, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and s’mores sheet cake.

Thursday: Homemade pizza, three-bean salad and fruit.

Friday: Tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, cornbread 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 Wednesdays only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

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

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, 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: Salsa chicken, fiesta potatoes, Capri mixed vegetables, pineapple tidbits and whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, boiled potatoes, California blend vegetables, fruit cup and whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Country fried steak with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, fruit cocktail and whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Chop suey over rice, Oriental vegetables, Oriental coleslaw and Mandarin oranges.

Friday: Chef salad — tomatoes, egg, meat and cheese, muffin and fruit ambrosia.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

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

Monday: Mini-pancakes, sausage and hard-boiled eggs.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, vegetable and dinner roll.

Wednesday: Cabbage roll casserole, squash and cheese biscuit.

Thursday: Deep-dish pizza and zucchini.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, with dinner served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Monday: Barbecue pork on a bun, fresh vegetables, chips and fruit salad.

Tuesday: Liver and onions, parsley buttered potatoes, corn, dinner roll and brownie.

Wednesday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic bread and pears.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, mixed vegetable medley, bread and Jell-O.

The center will have bingo on Mondays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating, starting at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain 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: Pork loin with gravy, baked potato and squash.

Tuesday: Chef salad — vegetables, meat and hard-boiled egg — plus a breadstick.

Wednesday: Two meal day — 11 a.m., Sloppy Joes, tater barrels and vegetables; 4 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Thursday: Beef chop suey, rice and vegetables.

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

Board meeting on Thursday.

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.

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: Beef roast, mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Hamburger, roasted potatoes and baked beans.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan, spaghetti and carrots.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Tuna casserole, dinner roll and Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Beef taco, Mexi-rice and corn-bread.

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, beets and dinner roll.