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NIAGARA, Wis. -- I have a question for you based upon a joke that many of you may have already heard. Picture yourself driving down a street when suddenly you notice a child and an elderly person are crossing the street in front of you from opposite directions. You need to make a decision quickly -- which do you hit? My husband asked me this question, and I did not realize it was a joke. I honestly answered him, "the elderly person." He looked at me and said, "the brake!" I thought, "Oh my goodness, that is very dark humor to say the least." But it does beg the question, "Why did I, already nearly 72-years-old myself, think that hitting an elderly person was a legitimate decision in that moment? And that question made me wonder if, as we age, do we begin to actually think differently?
I did a quick Google search on the psychology of aging and realized immediately that there is no "quick" search on this topic. I was astounded at the pages of studies that have been done and numerous theories that have been proposed. I abandoned the idea of researching the volumes of material so am left with my own thoughts on this topic based upon my own aging. Maybe, after reading the column today, you will see yourselves in some of these thoughts.
First, the thought occurred to me that when we are young, so much of life seemed difficult. Each experience was new. Each decision that had to be made was really just our best guess in the moment because we had not encountered the problem before. We had no hindsight because every bump in the road was a new one. We learned by doing, by living, by thinking each issue through and hoping we had taken the right path toward a good solution. We soon found out if we chose the right course of action as the results of our decisions became apparent.
As we age, we begin to find that most decisions do not cause us nearly as much angst. For as we have made our way over the peaks and valleys of living each year, we have formed a sort of callous that protects us and allows us to better withstand life's surprises. I think it really is similar to the callous one forms over hands that have become accustomed to heavy labor. Our skin does not blister because we have handled the ax or stacked the wood so often, we have a layer of protection on our palms. After a certain age, we are calloused -- in a good way -- because of our experience. We just recognize that we have encountered this particular challenge before, and we know what works. Consequently, we are not blindsided by life. Living just becomes an easier process.
Second, I can say that I have less stress and that I am happier at this age than I was before retirement. My life has a slower beat to it; it is not the frenetic pace that it once was while I was working and raising a family. If I want to "take a day" and just let the housework slide, I can do it. No one needs cookies baked at the last minute, or football jerseys washed, or help with homework. And I do not have any bosses to worry about any longer. Consequently, I am sleeping better. I have had time to pursue things that make me happy and that have enriched my later years. I am sure many of us in this stage of our lives can say the same thing.
Third, I have long since stopped comparing my life and my choices to anyone else's. What works for me is good enough. I have nothing left to prove to anyone. I am comfortable in my own skin. It is a very good feeling. Having been a first-born perfectionist with responsibilities that began very early in life, this is a stage I am relieved to have finally attained.
So, what is the "down side" of being an almost elderly person? Why in the world would I think it an acceptable choice to hit someone my age with my car? I do have a sense that I am nearing the end of productivity. I have my mother's aching back, and the arthritis that runs in my family has settled into more joints than I care to count. It is simply harder to get up from a chair, get out of bed, and clean my house than it used to be. In talking with a friend lately, I was asking her how her recent surgery went and how her therapy was progressing. Then I shared with her some of my aches and pains. She said neither one of us should be surprised about the other's issues because, after all, "we met in a physical therapy pool." So, I think that lack of physical ability, for me, has been the hardest challenge of aging. It is definitely limiting what I even consider to be a fun activity. And, to be perfectly honest, some days it feels like I have been hit by a car!
Another issue I have noticed is the way we think as we age. I am not talking about the need to make lists and leave reminder notes to ourselves. I am talking about the tendency to believe that old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." To me, that is a slippery slope and a definite sign of getting old. It is too easy to stop learning new things. Just because we have always done something a certain way, doesn't mean that there isn't a better way to do it. And we can still learn that better way. It took me forever to learn how to use a cell phone, and because it was confusing for me, I just refused to use one. Bad idea. The whole world uses cell phones, and I finally made myself jump on the band wagon.
We also need to remember that the world is changing whether we like it or not. Nothing ever stays the same nor should it. My husband absolutely hates the television commercials that revolve around this rather pompous guy giving lessons to adults on how not to become like their parents. He mutes the television every time those commercials appear. "What's wrong with the way we do things? What's wrong with talking to people in the elevator or trimming the hedges by the garage?" he laments. Nothing, really. But there are larger issues in our world today that require having an open mind. As we age, many of us are challenged by changing social norms. We just need to work a little harder at remembering that times change, and we need to at least accept the fact that they do. It is not wrong-- it is just different. And an open mind allows learning in. We need to remind ourselves that we are never too old for a few new thoughts.
Finally, all of us "beyond a certain age" still have something to offer this world. We have a lifetime of experience, have cried our fair share of tears, and have laughed at more than a few silly mistakes. We still have time on our hands so let's vow to ourselves and to each other to continue to find ways to give back to a world that has given so very much to us. Drive safely, keep your eyes on the road, and hit the… brake when needed.
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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Kingsford
906-774-1530
Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.
Sunday: Church on TV/word search, 10 a.m.
Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; room visits, 1:30 p.m.; coffee chat, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; jam work out, 10:30 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Gardening, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Coffee hour, 10 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Crosswords/self-activities.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; You Be the Judge, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; Yahtzee, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee social/puzzle time, 9:30 a.m.; Sunshine Club, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Dan's songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; activity council, 3 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Saturday: Room-to-room bingo/high rollers, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare (formerly Manor Care/ProMedica)
Kingsford
906-774-4805
The center is open for visitation. There is no longer a need to call in advance of your visit.
Sunday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; leisure cart, 10:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.
Monday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; about May Day, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; chair yoga, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Our Redeemer Lutheran church, 9 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:30 p.m.; leisure cart, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Wet your whistle, 9 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.
Friday: Chips and chatter, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Cinco de Mayo celebration, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Table talk, 9:30 a.m.; balloon ball, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flip-o, 1 p.m.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.
Sunday: Tie dye crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; "Price Is Right," 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; Bible study, 3 p.m.
Friday: Fun facts/trivia, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Spelling bee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.
Florence Health Services
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. 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. There are no group activities at this time.
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, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Tasty Tuesday, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study,1 p.m.; crosswords, 2 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.
Pinecrest Medical
Care Facility
Powers
906-497-5244
Sunday: Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.
Monday: Trivia, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 2 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Bunco, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: "Family Feud," 10:30 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; crossword puzzle, 6 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee social, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; trivia, 6 p.m.
Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Cinco de Mayo, 2 p.m.; social circle, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.
Saturday: Reminiscing, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
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. Thursday, fish fries from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, pizzas from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday and dinner from 2 to 3 p.m. Sundays.
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Their new cook prepares meals on site.
Tuesday: Chicken salad sandwich, pasta salad and fruit.
Wednesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables and salad.
Thursday: Beef burrito and taco taters.
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: Sub sandwich, potato wedges and baked beans.
Tuesday: Open face hot chicken sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy and corn.
Wednesday: Spaghetti, green beans and garlic bread.
Thursday: Steak sandwich, potatoes and coleslaw.
Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.
Crystal Falls Center
Head Cook: Sterling Peryam
Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam
906-875-6709
The center is 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 phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.
Menu for the week --
Monday: Shepherds pie and dinner roll.
Tuesday: Barbecue chicken and rice pilaf.
Wednesday: Lasagna and garlic bread.
Home delivered meals -- available through DICSA in Iron Mountain.
Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, Oriental vegetables and fruit.
Tuesday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread and corn.
Wednesday: Wet burrito, Mexican rice and corn bread.
Thursday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, dinner roll and green beans.
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: Sweet and sour chicken, Oriental vegetables and fruit.
Tuesday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread and corn.
Wednesday: Wet burrito, Mexican rice and corn bread.
Thursday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, dinner roll and green beans.
Friday: Ham and cheese sub sandwich, chips and Jell-O cup.
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: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 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.
Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.
Thursday: No activities at this time.
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: Stuffed shells, corn and garlic bread.
Tuesday: Cheese burger, French fries and baked beans.
Wednesday: Pork, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.
Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.
Home delivered meals --
Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, Oriental vegetables and fruit.
Tuesday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread and corn.
Wednesday: Wet burrito, Mexican rice and corn bread.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
ADRC
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Director: Tiffany White
Menu for the week --
Monday: Baked chicken, parsley noodles, butter beans, spinach orange salad and fruit.
Tuesday: Sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato and onion, pasta salad and fruit.
Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, au gratin potatoes, squash, fruit and ice cream.
Thursday: Brat on a bun, potato salad, pea and cheese salad and fruit.
Friday: Cheesy taco casserole, coleslaw, fruit and Mexican brownies.
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. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.
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, 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: Swiss steak, white rice, Oriental vegetable blend, Mandarin oranges and ice cream.
Tuesday: Turkey ala king over mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, pineapple tidbits, and whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Chicken salad wrap, fresh vegetables and fruited Jell-O.
Thursday: Cream of broccoli soup, meat sandwich, raw baby carrots, fruit cup and whole wheat bread.
Friday: Taco salad with meat, lettuce, tomato, olives, onions, and sour cream, tortilla chips, fruit salad and breadstick.
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: Mushroom Swiss burger, fries, wax beans, milk or fruit juice.
Tuesday: Beef stew, string cheese, dinner roll, milk or fruit juice.
Wednesday: Sub sandwich, side salad, yogurt, milk or fruit juice.
Thursday: Baked chicken, sweet potatoes, applesauce, milk or fruit juice.
Niagara Senior Center/Café
715-251-1603
The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.
Monday: Ham salad sandwich, tomato basil soup, fruit and cookie.
Tuesday: Kielbasa, German potato salad, baked beans and fruit.
Wednesday: Swedish meatballs, noodles and gravy, mixed vegetables, dinner roll and fruit torte.
Thursday: Lemon herb baked fish, potato wedges, coleslaw, rye bread and fruit dessert.
Join us for Bingo on Wednesday this week.
Norway Center
Director: Joyce Olesky
Head Cook: Brian Gutkowski
906-563-8716
Open for dine-in eating beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain 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: Chicken patty on a bun, tater tots and vegetable.
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, potato wedges and vegetable.
Wednesday: Greek chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and vegetable.
Thursday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles and 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
Open for dine-in eating - call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Cheese manicotti, broccoli and dinner roll.
Wednesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn and fruit.
Thursday: Italian sausage sandwich and coleslaw.
All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.
Home delivered meals --
Monday: Sweet and sour chicken, Oriental vegetables and fruit.
Tuesday: Meat ravioli, garlic bread and corn.
Wednesday: Wet burrito, Mexican rice and corn bread.