NIAGARA, Wis. — It is no secret that as we age, we begin to notice many changes in our minds and bodies. Our thoughts may become scattered. I have noticed that if I have something I want to tell my husband, I had better tell him as soon as the thought enters my head. If something happens to distract me, quite often the thought has disappeared … along with my patience.

Physically I do not have the stamina I once had. Arthritis has made a home in many of my joints, which prohibits me from taking the walks through the woods that I used to enjoy so much. But, when I find these changes begin to get me down, I just remember what my mother always used to say, “At least it is another day above ground.” She was very pragmatic that way.

I recently read an article that addressed longevity and found it most interesting. So, today we are going to explore this topic and hopefully learn a few things that will help us extend our lives a bit longer.

Around the world, people are living longer than ever before. In 1900, the global average life expectancy was just 32 years; in 2024, it was 73.33 years.

This also means the world has an increasing number of centenarians — people who live to be 100 or older. According to United Nations data, there are an estimated 722,000 centenarians worldwide. This number is expected to grow to be around 4 million by 2054. In the United States, it is expected that centenarians will account for 0.1% of the total population by 2054.

So, what does it take to grow to be that old? Can we all expect to reach the one hundred mark if we follow some guidelines?

First, women are more likely to live to 100. Of the more than 100,000 centenarians currently in our country, an astounding 78% are women. Several factors contribute to this fact. Women age more slowly than men, delaying the onset of health issues such as cardiovascular disease and stroke. Years ago, an internist told me that we dramatically increase our odds of living to a ripe old age if we avoid contracting a serious chronic disease before the age of 65. And women also tend to be more risk-averse than men, so are less likely to engage in behaviors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using recreational drugs, all of which can lead to long-term health issues that shorten our life spans.

Second, scientists believe that lifestyle factors such as eating healthy and staying physically active play a more important role than genetics in influencing our health and lifespan until we’re in our 70s. But as we age into our 80s and beyond, genetics start to play a larger part in our health and longevity. The study of longevity genes is still developing, but they have identified certain gene variants that can influence lifespan. Among these gene variants are ones that support the function and maintenance of the body’s cells and those that are linked to lipid levels, inflammation, and the cardiovascular and immune systems.

Third, centenarians often seem to be remarkably resilient with regard to their health, which can be attributed to both lifestyle and genetic factors. However, there are three other kinds of resilience that are connected to longevity: cognitive resilience, which requires strong intellectual function; economic resilience, which requires adequate financial support; and personal resilience, which requires a robust personality. All three factors are essential for maintaining the quality of life that contributes to longevity.

Fourth, cognitive resilience must be retained in order for longevity to be attained. Studies indicate 50% of centenarians have clear symptoms of dementia and 25% show some signs of cognitive impairment, while the remaining 25% are considered cognitively healthy. Researchers speculate that some people are resistant to the brain-damaging effects of Alzheimer’s disease while others are cognitively resilient, demonstrating a cognitive reserve that allows them to better cope with the pathological brain changes of the disease. While we cannot prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, studies have noted that certain lifestyle factors can contribute to our cognitive resilience, including consuming a Mediterranean-style diet and exercising regularly, as well as socializing with other people and engaging in intellectual pursuits through education and employment.

Finally, despite differences in lifestyle, studies have shown centenarians tend to share two specific personality traits: a positive attitude and a high degree of emotional awareness. In studies, many centenarians describe themselves as being optimistic, easygoing and extroverted, and often mention laughter as essential to their lives — all qualities that reduce anxiety and depression and contribute to good overall mental health. Many centenarians also report being comfortable with openly expressing their emotions, which helps maintain healthy relationships and contributes to our overall well-being.

In conclusion, we need to control those factors that we can to help give us a leg up to living as long as possible. Exercise and eat a healthy and balanced diet to avoid getting serious illnesses before the age of 65. If you tend to be an introvert, associate with friends who have more of an extroverted personality and can involve you in their activities. Socialization is essential to healthy aging. Continue to read and challenge yourself intellectually. Stay interested in life and pay attention to current events in the news.

With a little effort, we can continue well into our 90s … and actually enjoy those additional years.

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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: Work on weekend packets; Sunday football.

Monday: Nails/room visits, 10 a.m.; Lucky 7, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Yarn Club, 10 a.m.; memory cafe, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Mission Covenant Church, 10 a.m.; bean art, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, wear a hat day, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Ice cream coffee, let’s visit, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Weekend packet, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; hangman, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; Iron River Senior Center, 10:15 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United church, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

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

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; fill in the blank, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/”You Be the Judge,” 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Hot Tea Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; thrift store, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Hope Church, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; National Strawberry Ice Cream Day party, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Fig Newton Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 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 corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; Derby Day, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; you be the judge, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; buzz words, 10:15 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; fireside chat and boozy hot cocoa, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: The Breakfast Club, 7 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.; catch up on a show

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.; Sunday night football; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Cranium Crunch, 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; Book Club, 4 p.m.; Monday night football, 6:45 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and resident council with Lacy and Carla, 10:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; Polar Bear plunge, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; Thursday night football, 7 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; Book Club, 4 p.m.; Friday night movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Beef burrito, Spanish rice, chips and salsa.

Wednesday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Lasagna, vegetable salad, garlic bread.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Liver or substitute, roasted potatoes, biscuit, pudding.

Tuesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, mixed vegetables, cake.

Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn.

Thursday: Chicken stew, biscuit, applesauce.

Crystal Falls Center

Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Mondays) and Jess Anderson (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)

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 your phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff.

Wednesday: Baked chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese.

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.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244

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

Monday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, California blend vegetables, dinner roll.

Tuesday: Hearty pork stew, pickled beets, dinner roll.

Wednesday: Stuffed pepper, corn, biscuit.

Thursday: Celebrating all January birthdays — Smothered pork chop, roasted potatoes, dill carrots, cake.

Friday: Barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables.

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

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244

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: Tuna sandwich with soup.

Tuesday: Pasta with meat sauce casserole, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Garden quiche, oven-roasted potatoes, Broccoli Normandy, fruit.

Tuesday: Minestrone soup, egg salad sandwich, cucumbers in sour cream, fruit.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork riblet, parsley potatoes, cole slaw, apple crisp.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan with penne pasta, dark green salad, candied carrots, fruit.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, cornbread, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For reservations, call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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: Cheeseburger, whole wheat hamburger bun, vegetable, potato wedges, apple slices.

Tuesday: Turkey ala king, rotini pasta, root vegetable blend, corn, biscuit, fruit cup.

Wednesday: Monterey chicken, herb mashed potatoes, Capri vegetables, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Beef pasty, green beans, cole slaw, warm cinnamon peaches.

Milk is available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Broccoli cheese soup, chicken-bacon-Swiss sandwich.

Tuesday: Bratwurst, chips, beans.

Wednesday: Pork chop suey.

Thursday: Lasagna and garlic bread.

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: Italian sausage with peppers and onions, potato rounds, spinach salad with tomatoes, wheat dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo, fettuccine, broccoli, stewed tomatoes, Mandarin oranges.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, mixed vegetables, pineapple, wheat bread.

Thursday: Chop suey, brown rice, chow mein noodles, Thai cucumbers, cherry dump cake.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 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: Spaghetti with meat sauce, garlic bread, cauliflower.

Tuesday: Pepper steak, rice, mixed vegetables.

Wednesday: Ham and Swiss cheese sliders, fries, carrots, pudding.

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

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.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Shipwreck stew, honey biscuits.

Wednesday: Chicken spaghetti casserole.

Thursday: Taco Thursday.