Suzanne Killian

NIAGARA, Wis. — I recently read a fascinating article in the newest edition of AARP magazine. This article — researched and written by David Hochman — explained the three components necessary for a long life that had not yet been given credit.

His research was prompted by the long lives of two of his very different grandmothers. Both women lived to be 104 years old, despite their opposite personalities and lifestyles. Hochman did observe three shared traits; however, that additional research has shown to definitely affect lifespan for all of us.

We have long known that our genes, diet, sleep, exercise, connection to others and having a purpose to our lives have had a positive impact on our longevity. For decades, the science on aging was fairly straight forward: eat vegetables, get enough sleep, avoid alcohol and smoking, avoid dangerous hobbies and be lucky enough to be born into a family with longevity in their gene pool.

Additionally, due to the discovery of “blue zones,” it was believed that certain geographic regions of the world produced longevity in their residents. Consequently, researchers flocked to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, Okinawa in Japan and Loma Linda in California to study the environment and habits of the residents. After much study, scientists decided there is no one-size-fits-all formula for living long in these regions.

Additionally, studies into other commonly held beliefs regarding steps to a long life have also proven less reliable than originally believed. These include: drinking red wine, intermittent fasting, keto diets, walking 10,000 steps each day, using supplements, and other gimmicky type approaches.

In recent years, however, more study has been done into the reasons behind our ever-increasing life spans despite our inability to shed the bad habits that tend to shorten our lives and the ineffectiveness of the gimmicks that promise us more years among the living. In the 1950s, living to 100 was rare — only about 2,300 could make that claim. By 2024, more than 101,000 Americans reached their 100th birthday. And, by 2054, 422,000 of us are expected to live 100 years!

Currently, 62 million Americans are 65 and older, which is 18% of the total American population. By 2054, that group will number 84 million and represent almost a quarter of the population. Scientists who study long-lived people have discovered three surprising factors that contribute years to our lifespans.

Factor number one is resilience. New research shows that mentally tough people tend to live longer; this is especially true for women. Scientists found that those with high resilience — who stay calm under pressure, keep going when things get hard, and feel their life has purpose — were half as likely to die over a 10-year period as those folks who were less resilient. In biology, this concept is called hormesis. We know it as the old adage, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” and is a bit of wisdom passed to us by 19th-century German philosophers. It is also known as the select survivor effect — a biological toughening up that is the result of surviving difficult situations like war or great loss. This toughening prepares the body for future challenges.

Factor number two is love. While no physician can write a prescription for it, the presence of love in our lives definitely helps us live longer. Strong social connections are linked to a 50% greater chance of a longer life. The bond between you and the people around you might be the ultimate key to aging well. In fact, the single strongest predictor of healthy aging isn’t wealth, social status or even lifestyle. It’s the quality of our relationships. Marital satisfaction, in particular, seems to act like a longevity booster shot. Loneliness as we age can be as damaging to our health as smoking or drinking while those with social support were less likely to overindulge in either of those unhealthy habits. Marriage also benefits cognition. Married folks are less likely to be depressed, reported greater levels of happiness, and even performed better on memory tests. It is important to note that good relationships do not have to be perfect. As long as folks can rely on each other when it truly matters, the everyday spats don’t harm mental health or memory.

Factor number three is faith. It has been found that those people who have a deep conviction that tomorrow holds promise are able to push forward through life’s darkest moments. This does not have to be a religious faith, but it certainly can be. It can also simply be a tendency toward optimism that creates a genuine ability to always see the “glass half full.:” Many such people have described moments of profound connection that sustained them: a guiding voice, an unseen presence, a warm light that appeared at just the right moment when all seemed lost. This power of belief extends beyond religion to simply having something meaningful in which to believe — whether it be family, community, or a personal mission. Indeed, studies have shown that people who maintained a positive outlook had 50 to 70% greater odds of living to the age of 85 than those who were the least optimistic toward life.

Also, generally optimistic people make healthier choices for themselves. They tend to choose healthier foods, exercise more often and show lower levels of stress-related inflammation in their bodies. Finally, this optimistic outlook shapes our reality. Optimistic folks always have something to which they look forward — a belief in a future moment. These moments can take the form of “approach goals” — always anticipating the next gathering of friends — or the “affinity for ritual” — comfort received from keeping the same weekly schedule or completing tasks in the same manner.

This article originally caught my eye because longevity runs in my family. My maternal grandmother lived to be 99 and seven months while my mother lived to be 92. Their personalities were very different from each other, though each had some of the personality traits described above. My grandmother was a very faithful, religious woman; she read the Bible from cover-to-cover three times and attended church regularly until her arthritis and lack of transportation — she did not drive herself — prevented her attendance. She remained calm no matter how desperate the times — even throughout the Great Depression. Her general response to any challenging situation was, Whatever shall be, will be. She worked hard, as life on the farm demanded a lot of physical labor. She had a huge garden and canned everything in it; she cooked and baked all of their meals. She did not smoke and never had more than a little “schlock” of beer on a hot summer day.

My mother shared more of my grandfather’s personality traits. As a young girl she spent her time in the barn with her dad rather than in the kitchen with her mom so she did not share my grandmother’s cooking skills. She had a temper with a short fuse; but the excitement was soon over, and apologies were sincere and came quickly. She was not particularly religious but had a deep belief that hard work could get us through any hardship. This trait served her well as she found herself a widow with four very young children after only five years of marriage. She loved a good time, and at times blew the household budget so she could give us some fun childhood experiences.

So, if you are looking to add years to your life, learn to bounce back from life’s disappointments (resilience), surround yourself with people you can love, and remain optimistic in the face of disappointment. These characteristics, combined with healthy food and a good night’s rest, will keep you active and engaged well into your 80s or beyond.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass in dining room on YouTube, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Chair workout, 10 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; sing along, 11 a.m.; dice club, 1:30 p.m.; clown day.

Tuesday: Nails spa, 10 a.m.; bird club on YouTube in dining room, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Root beer floats, 10 a.m.; coffee chat, 10:30 a. m.; wiggle your toes day, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Resident council meeting, 11 a.m.; national beach party fun, 2 p.m.; Purple Heart Day.

Friday: Book Lover Day; shut the box, 10 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 1 p.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; Weakest Link on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bonfire, 1:30 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bingo, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends. 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wear pink and green; “Name That Tune,” 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; “Watermelon Wednesday” party with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

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

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; fair trip, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; fair trip, 1 p.m.; reminisce, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/Pictionary, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie or games, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; watermelon day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; music by Group Therapy, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tabletop bowling, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30; daily chronicle, 10 a.m., room visits, 11 a.m., music by Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; movie in lobby, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; spa day, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Doctor Pol, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; coffee time, 1:30 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Coffee and spelling bee, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; prize bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; picnic at the river, 11 a.m.; resident council, 1 p.m.; bocce ball, 2 p.m.; game night, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; art consequences, drawing, 10 a.m.; music with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; horse visit, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; ice cream social with fresh berries, 5:30 p.m.; music in the parka, Bob and Lisa Steeno, 7 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; baking, lemon buddies, 10 a.m.; silly crafters, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: The Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; penny ante, 10 a.m.; Happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; courtyard games, cornhole, 2 p.m.; Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets, 7 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available

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; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday Funday, 2:30 p.m.; daily chronicle.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 1:45 pm; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; Book Club, 4 p.m.; movie The Great Outdoors, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation, open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; resident council with Coria and Food Talk with Lacey, 10:45 a.m.; what’s in the bag? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; kings in corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles; Bad Water Ski-ters, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/trivia, 10:30 a.m.; off to the races, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and realty orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; remembering the soap box, 11 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; bonfire, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-on-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, peas, chocolate chip bars.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, carrots, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Celebrating birthdays — Ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, peas, chocolate chip bars.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food 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. Deliveries to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken ala king over egg noodles.

Tuesday: Beef chop suey over choice of white rice, chow mein noodles or both.

Wednesday: Ground beef goulash, dinner roll.

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

Monday: Chicken and waffles, raisin toast, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, peas, chocolate chip bars.

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: Chicken and waffles, raisin toast, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, peas, chocolate chip bars.

Friday: Loaded tater tots, green beans, applesauce.

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: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899.

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Turkey wrap with soup.

Wednesday: Salmon loaf, tater tots.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken tenders, potato salad, baked beans, fruit.

Tuesday: Sub sandwich (ham, turkey, cheese, romaine, tomatoes, onions), broccoli salad, potato chips, fruit salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, oven-roasted potatoes, cucumber salad, fruit, brownies.

Thursday: Homemade pizza, three bean salad, fruit.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole, cornbread, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Fiesta scrambled eggs with hash browns, stewed tomatoes, warm fruit compote, bread, milk.

Tuesday: Beef taco bake, Mexican corn, oven potatoes, sweet yeast roll, pineapple/Mandarin orange mix, milk.

Wednesday: Apple glazed pork chop, mashed potatoes with gravy, chef’s choice vegetable, mixed fruit cup, whole wheat bread, milk.

Thursday: Cobb salad with turkey, vegetable pasta salad, muffin, fresh fruit, milk.

Friday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, whole wheat hamburger bun, root vegetable blend, green beans, tropical fruit, milk.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11:30 a.m., with the meal served at noon. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken and waffles, raisin toast, berry and granola yogurt parfait.

Tuesday: Fish with summer vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Ranch pork chops, mashed potatoes, green beans.

Thursday: Chili dog, macaroni and cheese, peas, chocolate chip bars.

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 for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Tuesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots, applesauce, wheat dinner roll.

Wednesday: Beef tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, asparagus, wheat roll, black bean brownie.

Thursday: Philly cheesesteak on a hoagie bun, potato tots, side salad with tomatoes, pineapple.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. Those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sloppy Joes, fries, carrots, tropical fruit.

Tuesday: Finnish pancakes, hash browns, sausage, apple sauce.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, pears.

Thursday: Company chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussel sprouts, fruit cocktail.

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.

Tuesday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich, tomato basil soup, tater tots, fruit or dessert.

Wednesday: Liver and onions or pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, bread, dessert or fruit.

Thursday: Mini chicken pot pies, sauteed vegetables, bread, fruit or dessert.