NIAGARA, Wis. — It is hard for me to believe, but I have already been retired for eight years after 28 years with our local hospital and nine years before that with a local construction company. I am grateful to say that I enjoyed working for both of my former employers and have many fond memories of friends and work that was a joy to do. I distinctly remember pondering an early retirement back then as the hospital was offering an “early out” to those who qualified, and I had qualified all three times. The employee health nurse at the time gave me very wise advice. She said, “Sue, if you were really ready to retire, you would not be struggling with the decision. When you are ready to go, you will know.” She was so right!

So, why is the question of when to retire such a difficult one for most of us? Of course, the answer to that will be a little different for each of us. Many have set financial goals — bank accounts and investment profiles that must hit specific targets before the grand exit can be made. Others may fear loneliness; there is a strong social connection in many workplaces that is hard to leave. Still others may fear the loss of structure that a job has supplied for decades along with a sense of self that is strongly connected to the work that they do. “Who am I if I am not a?” Fill in the blank for yourself. I can only identify the reason I was wrestling with this big decision, and it was that last one. I had poured myself into my job for so long that leaving it felt like I was leaving myself behind. Who was I without that job title?

When I was finally ready, I gave a one-year notice and began the process of “doing things for the last time.” I did not want to leave any tasks undone or have anyone be disappointed because I did not complete a project for them. Remembering how crabby my mother got during her final year on the job, I asked my staff to let me know if I exhibited any tendency toward ill humor because I did not want to leave that way.

They did let me know whenever I was not exactly a “happy camper” for which I was most grateful. For those of you who have yet to go through your final year on the job, know that the fear of the unknown will cause separation anxiety at times; you will have bouts of emotion that are totally normal.

It took me about six months to completely acclimate to the slower pace of retirement. My husband had already retired so had been home about three years ahead of me. This worked well because he was already adjusted to this new life. Initially I busied myself with doing all kinds of little projects I’d never had time to do while working. Closets and drawers were sorted and reorganized, and the house received a thorough spring cleaning. We had our deck built and enjoyed shopping for all of the deck furniture. Once the special projects were completed, however, a new “retirement routine” needed to be established. I wanted to be as happy in retirement as I had been while working.

Of course, a “meaningful retirement” will be defined differently by each of us depending upon our priorities. My son recently sent my husband and I an article that discussed nine daily habits adopted by those who are truly happy in their retirement.

We found it most interesting so I am passing it along to you today. Whether you are getting ready to retire or have taken that big step, there will be something on this list that will be relevant to your situation. And — surprise — none of them require a big bank account.

1. Embrace a retirement routine. Retirement can very easily become a vast expanse of unstructured time. While this sounds appealing at first, it is not always conducive to happiness. A daily schedule provides a sense of structure that helps give purpose to each day and keeps us grounded. This doesn’t mean boxing oneself into a rigid timetable. It’s about setting up a loose framework that guides your day, leaving plenty of room for spontaneity and leisure. This may include a morning walk, a set time for meals or an hour for reading. You choose the activities — just keep them regular.

2. Stay physically active doing things you enjoy. This doesn’t mean you have to sweat it out at a gym. But it certainly could involve gardening, daily walks with the dog, or visiting a swimming pool for regular water aerobics. I can personally attest to the fact that water and osteoarthritis are good partners. Whatever the activity, keep it physical and regular.

3. Keep learning. It is important to keep your mind razor sharp. We no longer have the mental challenges of our jobs, but there are plenty of things we can do to help our brain generate new cells. Engage in new learning experiences: woodworking, a book club or study group, a new language, or learn to play a musical instrument. Challenge your mind.

4. Stay socially connected. We humans are by nature social animals, and research has shown that we thrive on interaction and connection with others. There are many organizations welcoming new members. Engage in volunteer activities. Keep that 4:05 alive even after retirement. Stay in touch with family.

5. Practice mindfulness. Learn to enjoy living in the moment. When our jobs dominated our lives, most of us had several balls we were juggling at the same time. Now we have the time to slow down and simply be. Pick a time of day when everything can stop for awhile and just breathe. I enjoy mindfulness at Niagara’s boat landing just watching the river go by while I sip my mocha or sitting on my deck just watching the leaves of our century-old maple tree blow in the backyard breeze.

6: Cherish your relationships. The quality — not the quantity — of moments define our lives. Pay attention to making quality time with a spouse or cherished friend. Share memories of times gone by or a laugh over the blunders we make as we age. Make the most of the time you have remaining in life with the people who mean the most to you.

7. Make time for self-care. It becomes even more important in retirement to take care of your physical, emotional and mental well-being. Most of us have spent our entire lives putting the needs of others before our own, but we cannot “pour from an empty cup.” Make it a point to dedicate some time each day to replenish your energy level. Take your health seriously and keep all of your medical appointments.

8. Embrace change. Retirement brings many changes. Those who embrace them as a natural part of life and the aging process do best. Change is not something to be feared but offers all of us an opportunity to grow, learn, and explore new avenues as we adapt to these curves in the road along the journey of life.

9. Live with gratitude. Make it a habit to count your blessings not your burdens. Learn to appreciate the freedom retirement brings, the joy of simple pleasures, and the beauty of everyday moments. Remember that gratitude isn’t about having what you want but more about wanting what you have. Live with gratitude for each new day. When joy can be found in the ordinary, happiness becomes our constant companion.

A happy retirement is not determined by the size of an investment portfolio. It is comprised of a series of choices we make each day. As we step into this new phase of our lives, every choice we make — including the thoughts we think — becomes a tiny square of the patchwork quilt that comforts and warms us throughout the remainder of our lives.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

Sunday: Church on TV/resident self-activities, 10 a.m.

Monday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; mocktail bar, 1 p.m.; oldies with Mr. Edberg, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; big band music, 11 a.m.; music trivia, south vs. west, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; radio trivia, 11 a.m.; listening to old radio shows, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; golden oldies ice cream bar, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Morning perks, 10 a.m.; talk about the Woodstock days, 11 a.m.; the best of your IDT air band, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Resident choice, have fun with the weekend packet.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; puzzle time 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Radio show trivia, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; bowling banquet, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; prize wheel bingo, 2 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends/coffee social, 9:30 a.m.; radio show and coffee cake, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1 p.m.; spa day, 1:30 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/pass the prize, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; lunch outing, 10:45 a.m.; “To Tell the Truth,” 2 p.m.; night big buck bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Dip cookoff/puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; karaoke with dip judging, 1:30 to 3 p.m.; United Lutheran, 2 p.m.

Friday: Black out bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits/ICMCF auction, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/Wii fun, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: File and style, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Mother’s Day tea social, 1 p.m.

Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; where am I? 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; religious crafts, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; stretch it out, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Pictionary, 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: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; string ‘n’ bling, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-51-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Mother’s Day prize bingo, 2 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; seed planting, 10 a.m.; baking memories, apple pie, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; radio show trivia challenge, 10 a.m.; Resident Council, 1 p.m.; entertainment by Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; music bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; backyard barbecue and corn hole 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Board games, 10 a.m.; pizza making, 1 p.m.; C & R happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; crossword challenge, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: What’s that word, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident Council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise, beach ball kick, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason/Bible study, 10 a.m.; brain teaser, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion/Pastor Cathy, 10 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Mother’s tea party, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident staff challenge, 10:45 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:30 p.m.; tie dye, 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident staff challenge, 10:45 a.m.; trivia, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Bunco, 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident staff challenge, 10:45 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; Failte Celtic band, 2 p.m.; balloon toss, 4 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation, open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident staff challenge, 10:45, a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; remember recess, 4 p.m.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident staff challenge, 10:45, a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; baseball, 2 p.m.; off to the races, 4 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; balloon toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets

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. Thursdays, 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

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Country-style ribs, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Wednesday: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo, broccoli, bread with butter.

Thursday: Wet burritos, refried beans, Spanish rice, bread with butter.

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: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, Brussel sprouts, biscuit.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, asparagus, biscuit.

Thursday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, coleslaw, fruit crumble.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalski and Shannon Stapleton

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. — call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili mac with cornbread.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken with rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

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

Monday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French 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: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O

Thursday: Lasagna, green beans, garlic French bread.

Friday: Taco salad, fiesta corn salad, tortilla chips.

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 p.m. 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: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuit, Jell-O.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait

Wednesday: Cheese omelet, sausage, oven-brown potatoes, spiced pears, toast.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Evening meal — Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli bake, biscuit, dessert.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, roasted squash, fruit.

Tuesday: Beef noodle casserole, biscuits, Brussel sprouts, pudding.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, parsley potatoes, beets, fruit, strawberry lemonade cake.

Thursday: Chicken patty on a bun with lettuce-tomato, ranch potato wedges, baked beans, fruit.

Friday: Goulash, spinach salad, garlic bread, 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

Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for a meal onsite need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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: Chicken tenders, oven potatoes, Prince William vegetables, peaches, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Pepper steak over rice with bell peppers, Oriental vegetables, Oriental coleslaw, pineapple.

Wednesday: Barbecue ribs, garlic mashed potatoes, corn, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Cream of potato soup, egg salad on a lettuce leaf, sandwich bread, carrot raisin salad, fruit cup.

Friday: Beef stroganoff with mushrooms, vegetable, warm applesauce.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Dine-in meal served at 11 a.m. Salad bar is available. No night meals at this time. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cottage cheese with diced tomatoes, mixed fruit, hard boiled egg, whole wheat bread with butter.

Tuesday: Cheesy potato breakfast casserole, turkey bacon, banana, cinnamon raisin bread.

Wednesday: Layered chicken casserole, cauliflower, croissant.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon 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. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Chicken salad sandwich on croissant, tomato/cucumber salad, peaches and cottage cheese.

Wednesday: Pork chop, wild rice, broccoli, spinach salad with tomatoes, cherry dessert.

Thursday: Italian chicken fillet, buttered egg noodles, corn, mixed vegetables, fruit of the forest dessert.

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

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals 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, baked potato, vegetables.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, sweet potato fries, vegetables.

Wednesday: Two meal day — 11 a.m., chef salad with ham and chicken, vegetables and egg, breadstick; 4 p.m., barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, gravy, vegetable.

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.

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

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Dine-in meals served, salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, Brussel sprouts, biscuit, pudding.

Wednesday: Chicken vegetable soup, Jell-O with fruit, side salad, string cheese, dinner roll.

Thursday: Spaghetti with meatballs, green beans, garlic toast.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Tuesday: Farmer’s casserole, turkey bacon, mini croissant, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, California blend vegetables, Jell-O.