NIAGARA, Wis. — As we celebrated Thanksgiving in Minnesota with our youngest son and his family, he jotted down a quote from his favorite philosopher, Friedreich Nietzsche, and said, “Here is some food for thought for an upcoming column.” The quote was, “He who has a ‘why’ to live for can endure any ‘how.'” In other words, if you feel you have a purpose to your life, no amount of hardship can become insurmountable. This, of course, got me to thinking. Are there benefits to having a purpose to one’s life? Where does one find purpose? Can a person’s purpose change over time?

First, like so many other topics, research has been conducted on this one. According to the Verywell Mind newsletter, a 2010 study published in “Applied Psychology” found that individuals who believed that they had a sense of purpose in their lives tended to live longer. Other studies showed that this same sense of purpose led to a healthier life as well. And there was even a study which showed that those with a sense of purpose earned more money throughout their lifetime. Interestingly, this study made a distinction between happiness and meaningfulness. Happiness was linked to being a “taker” while meaningfulness was connected more to being a “giver.” Givers were found to have a greater sense of purpose in their lives.

When my husband and I were going through instructions prior to our marriage in the Catholic church, the priest who led the classes gave us a very wise piece of advice. He told us that we each needed to approach our marriage with the following expectation: expect to give 60% and to receive 40%. Each time we had a difference of opinion or found ourselves disgruntled with the other for whatever reason, we remembered those wise words for they were indeed true and got us through these past 50 years. We have given each other purpose over the years and, consequently, have been able to navigate the peaks and valleys of our journey.

Also, my father-in-law was a wonderful example of a man who had a purpose to his life. In everything he did, he put the needs of his family first, and it set a wonderful example for his two sons. My husband is the most unselfish person I have ever met. From taking the crusts of bread for his sandwich to having to be convinced — just this year — to spend the money to become a “stockholder” in the Green Bay Packers, his needs were always the last ones he took into consideration. And he never complained. His attitude was always simply, “I am the husband and father — my needs and desires are secondary to those of my family.”

I do believe that one’s sense of purpose necessarily changes with the stage of life in which they find themselves. In our younger years, for most of us, our own immediate goals are what drive us. In those early years, our purpose may be to acquire an education, a good job, a life partner with whom to build a future, or simply to enjoy the camaraderie of friends on our Friday night out. However, our youthful sense of purpose changes as we age. In later years, if we are fortunate, we begin to live our lives for others. We marry and have a family. We do our jobs for others as well; hopefully becoming a team player at work. Eventually, we may become caregivers for our parents.

The years go by and time changes things. Our children grow up and no longer need us like they did when they were younger. They never stop needing an example, however, and that is a helpful thing to remember as we age. We retire, and no longer have an employer or co-workers who need us. Anyone who has gone back to visit their former place of employment after being retired knows what that feels like. We realize very quickly that no one is indispensable because the place has gotten along very easily without us — and they even do things differently now. We outlive our parents so our caregiving is no longer needed. This can pose a difficult transition for some of us. We will, however, get to a point when our spouse will need our care. We may begin to wonder which of us will need that level of care first. While we know we will be there “in sickness and in health,” we hope that health lasts as long as possible. In the meantime, there are plenty of local institutions that could provide us with very meaningful volunteer opportunities to lend a hand to make someone else’s life a little easier.

Each year, a local funeral home gives a reception for the survivors of those who have passed throughout the year and for whom they have provided funeral services. An ornament, engraved with each name, is placed on a Christmas tree for their family member to find and take home with them. My mother’s death came way at the end of the year in 2019, and I was simply given the ornament since the reception had already been held. This year, my brother had died in January so I was able to attend the reception and find his ornament. I knew no one there, but our mutual loss provided an immediate shared bond. One woman told me a story about her mother. As she was sorting through her belongings and preparing her home for sale, she found the handlebar pocket on her mother’s walker filled with bird seed. She said that finding that had initially made her laugh but then she realized that her mother had found her daily purpose in feeding the birds. So, no matter how old we become, it is possible to find purpose — no matter how small the task.

As we age, we may be tempted to believe that we are no longer of much use. If we find ourselves feeling this way, it is important for us to find some reason to continue to get out of bed to greet each new day. We can make our spouse a pot of tea in the morning. We can help the neighbor shovel his sidewalk. We can continue to provide a role model for our children and grandchildren by aging gracefully. My mother kept her sense of humor until the day she died. She will be forever remembered by her grandchildren and their friends as “the funny grandma.” If we find ourselves needing the help of others, our purpose becomes to simply show our appreciation of them for their care of us.

In the end, I hope I can approach each new day as my grandmother did. She trusted that her end would come whenever it was meant to come — not on her time, but on His. She worked hard her entire life until she could no longer live on her own. She lived with our family for years, graciously accepting a lifestyle that was not of her choosing and helping where she could. Unknowingly, she had a purpose for she left behind a model of perseverance and grace and a beautiful legacy in her words, “whatever shall be, will be.”

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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

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; high rollers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Book Club, 10 a.m.; Catholic Mass video, 10 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; romance movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/you be the judge, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; current events, 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.; church video, 2 p.m.; happy hour, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; throw away bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: ICMCF word search/room visits, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

ProMedica (formerly ManorCare)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

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

Maryhill Manor

Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Church services are held five days each week. Note that scheduled visits are in the front living room or outdoors and are by appointment only. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Rosary, 8:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9 a.m.; coffee and short stories, 10:15 a.m.; tailgate party, Packers vs. Vikings, 2 p.m.; Protestant service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; winter snowball fight, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; bird house making, 10:15 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 8:30 a.m.; Scattergories, 10:15 a.m.; nickel jokereno, 2 p.m.

Friday: Bowling, 10:15 a.m.; happy hour, entertainment by Jim D., 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

No new information at this time.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; sensory, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee social, 10 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday: Painting, 10:30 a.m.; spa treatments, 2 p.m.; baking group, 3:30 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: Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass (multipurpose room), 2 p.m.; games, 3:30 p.m.

Saturday: Reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; room visits, 3:30 p.m.

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: Barbecue pork on a bun, baked beans and bean salad.

Thursday: Pasties, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

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. Night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cabbage roll, mixed vegetables and bread.

Tuesday: Stew and garlic bread.

Wednesday: Chicken stir fry, rice and Oriental vegetable blend.

Thursday: Smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes and chef choice vegetables.

Friday: Fish or stuffed pepper, baked potatoes and mixed vegetables.

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

Crystal Falls Center

Head cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant cook: Rocky Scarlassara

906-875-6709

The center is now open and is once again serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place your order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include salad bar, 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 –

Tuesday: Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

Wednesday: Baked chicken with rice pilaf, vegetables, salad bar and homemade dessert.

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: Pizza, peas and carrots and breadstick.

Tuesday: Beef stew, corn bread and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Smothered chicken, mashed potatoes and corn.

Thursday: Mushroom Swiss cheeseburger, tater tots and mixed vegetables.

Friday: Ham and cheese sandwich, carrot salad, Jell-O and chips.

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. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, coleslaw and breadsticks.

Tuesday: Ravioli, garlic bread and winter blend vegetables.

Wednesday: Pork chops, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and mixed vegetables.

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 — see below. Menu for the week —

Monday: Turkey ranch wrap, tomato soup, coleslaw and fruit.

Tuesday: Amish breakfast bake, spinach and fruit.

Wednesday: Pizza casserole, dark green salad, garlic bread, fruit and brownies.

Thursday: Baked chicken, oven roasted potatoes, broccoli and fruit.

Friday: Taco tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, biscuits 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 Wednesday 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

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. 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., salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Tater tot casserole, applesauce and roll.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles, peas and carrots and roll.

Wednesday: Pork, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn

Thursday: Chicken parmesan, noodles, California blend vegetables and breadstick.

All meals served with milk or juice and a serving of fruit.

Norway Center

Director: Michelle DeSimone

906-563-8716

Now open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pickup from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if you are dining in or picking up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Finnish pancake, sausage and hashbrown potatoes.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon Alfredo, breadstick and broccoli.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, mixed vegetables and tater tots.

Thursday: Chicken chop suey, rice and Oriental blend vegetables.

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

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

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

Tuesday: Beef stroganoff, buttered noodles, roasted Brussel sprouts and fruit.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, rutabagas and fruit.

Thursday: Fish sticks, macaroni and cheese, corn and fruit.

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