NIAGARA, Wis. — Last week I wrote about aging joyfully. This week I want to take a little closer look at that topic to see just how we can accomplish it. Once again, I turn to a brief article on the Verywell Mind website for information as well as inspiration from a brainstorming session with my husband.

First, however, I pondered the obstacles to joy that we encounter later in life. We begin to lose people we love — both friends and family. We are made acutely aware by their passing just how short life can be. We may begin to wonder how many years we have left in this world ourselves. I recently came to the realization that I now reside in the twilight of my own life, and it was a sobering thought indeed. What loose ends do I need to tie up? Are there fences that need to be mended? Are there sights to be seen or accomplishments yet to be made? So, yes, there is a real sense that one is running out of time.

Second, we begin to actually experience some of the physical and mental limitations we only associated with our parents and grandparents when we were younger. My grandfather used to always complain about his arthritis. Being a farmer all of his life, he needed his body to keep working and swore a blue streak when his back and knees began to fail him. Now my siblings and I are experiencing the same achy joints. My ankles are surrounded by little spider veins — just like my mother’s had been. And every time I lose my train of thought, cannot remember a word, or begin to search once again for my glasses, I fear the beginnings of dementia — that thief that slowly, but surely can steal the joy from our later years.

And third, we all begin to wonder just how long we can maintain the lifestyle we currently enjoy. How long can we stay in our home? We begin to plan for the standard “age proofing” of our environment. My husband and I made the decision already many years ago to stay in our home “until one of us is carried out.” While we were still working, we completed some fairly large renovations to our 1928 house so everything we would need into the future was on one level. But we do live on a hill and need to take multiple steps to even get into the house so that remains a concern. We think about what chores we could possibly hire someone else to do as we age.

So, when you take these concerns into consideration, it is understandable why a feeling of joy is a hard commodity to come by some days. And we may begin to wonder if the “golden years” are really so golden. When we find these negative thoughts creeping in around the edges of our minds, it is time to change the lens of our mind’s eye and refocus it away from ourselves. As the website article advises, it is during these times when we need to become a nicer person to others because, “interestingly, going out of our way to practice kindness toward others not only helps others feel better, but it can also boost our own mental well-being.”

Follow these four simple guidelines as you step away from yourself and toward others:

— Practice gratitude by simply reminding yourself of the good things in your life. This alone can shift a negative outlook toward a more positive point of view.

— Seek ways to be helpful to others. Even the smallest of positive gestures like smiling at someone, helping with a small task or opening a door for someone can help you to feel better about your life. You can still be useful.

— Be forgiving. Forgive yourself when you make mistakes and forgive others their mistakes. We are all human and fallible. This alone allows grace to enter our lives, which in turn allows for greater connection to others and allows us to rid ourselves of grudges.

— Say thanks — not just for the big things, but for every little thing too. It is amazing how good you will feel once you become accustomed to saying that simple word. My husband used to often ask me, “Why are you thanking me?” and was so surprised that I was acknowledging his simple actions. I told him that it made me feel good to show him my appreciation. Now, he is thanking me a lot more!

Now, about that brainstorming session I had with my husband. We decided to make a list of all the little things we could do to be helpful to other people. We both realized that when we were younger, we were so busy racing through our lives, to get to where we needed to be or to finish what needed to be done, that we did not often take the time to be as helpful to others as we could. Now that we are older and have more time, we try to consider others by doing as many of the following as we can.

— Be respectful of other restaurant patrons by keeping dinner conversations quiet. Everyone is there to have a good time; my night out is not any more deserved than theirs.

— When plans change and you have to cancel appointments, call to cancel them so the dentist or hairdresser can keep their schedule full.

— Take a minute to compliment workers and then take a step further by telling their boss.

— Tip generously; remember what it was like to depend upon tips more than wages.

— Do not use the express lane at the grocery store with a full cart.

— When you have a full grocery cart, let someone with just a few items go ahead of you.

— Move an extra stray grocery cart into its proper place in the parking lot along with yours.

— When in a long line of traffic, let the car through that has been waiting to pull out.

— Don’t be the one who doesn’t pull over after three signs have warned of the lane ending.

— Compliment parents on their well-behaved children.

— Be a good neighbor.

All of these are small, simple gestures that can show appreciation of other people. They take very little time and cost nothing. But by doing them, you feel a lot happier yourself. And I am sure that, with a little thought, you could add to this list based upon your own history and experience.

We may be getting older, and time is going faster and getting shorter. But by looking away from our own trials and tribulations, we see that there are still many ways in which we can help others along the paths of their lives. So, let’s be useful for as long as we can and sow a few seeds of kindness along the remainder of our journey.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Freeman’s has resumed small group activities. Visitation is currently being allowed twice weekly with screening and COVID-19 testing required before entering the building. All precautions are still being taken to protect residents. Everyone has adjusted to this new normal; however, they are all looking forward to a great get-together when it is safe to do so.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

No information currently available.

Manor Care

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Limited visitation has resumed for family and friends. Appointments must be made in advance by calling the center.

Maryhill Manor

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Scheduled visits are being allowed in the facility’s living room. Call ahead to reserve. The weekly Happy Hour and bingo have resumed for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and “Jeopardy,” 10:15 a.m.; whammo, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10:15 a.m.; Labor Day social in the courtyard, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; entertainment, Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30; Protestant service, 9 a.m.; kick ball, 10:15 a.m.; creative art, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour and music, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Spelling bee, 10:30 a.m.; Netflix movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Golden Living Center

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed in designated areas only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 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. Residents have resumed some small group activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; left-center-right, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; music with Chris and Larry, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; refreshments, 3 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: One-to-one visits, 10 a.m.; time outside, 2 p.m.

Monday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; painting, 2 p.m.; outside social, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Carnival games, 10 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; room visits, 6 p.m.

No additional information available.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11:30 a.m. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chop suey, rice, Oriental vegetables and lettuce salad.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, baked potatoes, broccoli and carrot coins.

Thursday: Sausage, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn and tomatoes.

Note: All meals include milk, bread and butter, fruit and dessert.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at noon. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed — Labor Day.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy and wax beans.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli, Italian blend vegetables and garlic toast.

Thursday: Sloppy Joes, corn and twice-baked potatoes.

Friday: Smoked sausage, dinner roll, carrots and sauerkraut.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Lucy Korhonen

906-875-6709

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey and cheese sandwich, carrot salad and Jell-O.

Tuesday: Mushroom and Swiss burger, tater tots, baked beans, lettuce and tomatoes.

Wednesday: Cabbage rolls, stewed tomatoes, buttered noodles and cornbread.

Thursday: Smothered chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes.

Friday: Sausage pizza, breadstick, Italian blend vegetables and parmesan cheese.

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

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also are available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Labor Day.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas and carrots.

Wednesday: Lasagna, breadsticks and broccoli.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Restrictions have lifted at some centers. Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, dark green salad, carrots and fruit.

Tuesday: Baked chicken, stuffing, cauliflower, squash and fruit.

Wednesday: Brats on bun, potato salad, baked beans, fruit and Rice Krispie bars.

Thursday: Boiled dinner (ham, carrots, cabbage, potatoes), breadsticks and frosted pumpkin cake.

Friday: Taco pasta salad, tomato-cucumber salad, whole wheat roll and Ambrosia salad.

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, home-delivered only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday.

Tipler Town Hall

715-674-2320 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu, home-delivered only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

715-589-4491 – RSVP for meals

Same as ADRC menu. Now open — serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Pam Haluska

906-498-7735

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating — serving at 11 a.m. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed – Labor Day.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole, peas, roll and fruit.

Wednesday: Cheese omelet, hashbrowns, sausage and fruit.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, green beans and dessert.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11 a.m. Take-out meals will remain available for pick-up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Closed for Labor Day,

Tuesday: Spaghetti or polenta, broccoli and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Taco salad with vegetable toppings, rice and corn.

Thursday: Turkey burger, french fries, potato salad, sugar snap peas — birthdays and bingo.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carry-out meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Chili with beans, cornbread, carrots and tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, broccoli and pineapple.

Thursday: Sweet and sour pork, rice and stir fry vegetables.

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