NIAGARA, Wis. — We all logically know that there is no “cure” for aging. It is a fact of life from which we cannot escape. Yet, many of us try our hardest to ignore this undeniable truth. Some may spend quite a bit of money as they try all of the latest anti-aging techniques, from hair dye to expensive cosmetics to liposuction to Botox facial injections. Others pursue the supplement route as they ingest supplements by the fist full each day instead of eating a healthy balanced diet. So today I want to share some surprising facts about aging and some tips to live a little longer. Also, I found some interesting perspectives to help you actually embrace getting older.

While our culture seems to obsess about getting older, studies have shown that we actually experience more happiness and contentment in our later years. The following 12 facts investigate the aging process and will serve to debunk some commonly held myths as well as explore the brighter side of getting old.

1. We can say goodbye to migraine headaches. Fluctuating hormone levels are to blame for the pain. Consequently, they generally develop in adolescence, peak at age 40 and gradually level off as we age.

2. Our hair doesn’t actually turn gray or white. We simply stop producing the pigments needed that naturally color our hair. I colored my hair until I retired and then let it grow out just to see how it looked gray. I was pleasantly surprised at the result, and my hairdresser raves about my natural silver as it continues to come in. So, give it a try — you may be pleasantly surprised as well.

3. Have you noticed that you are a little calmer than you were when you were younger? I have; I rarely have sleepless nights any longer. Studies have shown that older adults have much fewer panic disorders and have a greater positive mental health in general.

4. For what it is worth, older people sweat much less.

5. While we may not feel as strong as we were in our younger years, we vote more and continue to have greater political power than our younger counterparts. Certainly, being a part of that Baby Boom helps, but we are also dependent upon the continuation of government programs such as Medicare and Social Security.

6. There is no need to worry about noses and ears continuing to grow because they don’t. They do, however, droop as they succumb to gravity like everything else.

7. Old age is not a modern phenomenon. Archaeologists have studied the skeletal remains of ancient civilizations and have learned that earlier civilizations lived well into their 50s and longer. Low life expectancy in ancient times was due more to infant mortality.

8. If you believe that you need less sleep now that you are older, you are wrong. We need more sleep when we are younger because we are growing and developing in so many ways. However, once we reach the age of 20, our nightly sleep needs level off to seven to nine hours. If we are sleep deprived, it is usually due to illness, pain, medications, or a greater need for the bathroom.

9. The muscles that control our pupils weaken with age so our pupils actually shrink. Smaller pupils make it harder to see at night, and we actually need three times as much light to read comfortably as we did in our 20s. This is why we have trouble driving at night and reading a menu in a dimly lit restaurant.

10. Older people have a stronger immune memory. Our bodies actually keep a repository of illnesses that can stretch back decades. This is an extra line of defense that allows us to get better and better at fighting off disease due to our “biological experience” with them in the past.

Now that you know the benefits of aging, here are some tips to living a longer life — some may surprise you.

— Keep making new friends — the more the merrier. Experts say that our relationships form a lattice of support that constitutes the largest single factor in the overall well-being of most people.

— Play more games. Brain teasers, crosswords, trivia games, and puzzles all stimulate our brain function and our ability to continue to learn. Games played with friends have the added benefit of increased social connection.

— Spice things up. Believe it or not, the capsaicin that makes chili peppers hot has the added benefit of lowering instances of cancer and heart disease due to its anti– inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

— Read more books. An interesting study tracked the reading habits of participants over 50 years old. They found that those who read over 3 1/2 hours per week lived two years longer than those who read less.

— Spend time with your pets. Studies have shown that those who have any kind of pet at all have reduced mortality rates of 24% due to a long list of health benefits including lower blood pressure and improved mental health. And, tending animals outside adds additional beneficial exercise.

— Hit the dance floor. You don’t have to be a pro to get the added health benefits of lower cortisol and increased endorphins along with improved muscular strength, balance, cardiovascular endurance and cognitive ability! The combination of social and physical activity also decreases the risk of dementia.

— Forgive and forget. Carrying a grudge and reliving the past can lead to chronic anger, which increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Forgiving and letting go of past hurt and disappointment can reverse these health issues. Sleep will also improve.

— Take a vacation. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy — and a sick one. Studies have shown that those who vacation at least three weeks per year have a 37% lower chance of dying. This was mainly due to lower stress levels and the ability to sleep better.

Still not quite convinced that aging can be something to enjoy? Read these thoughts about aging expressed by those who have made the trip and enjoyed the journey.

“Know that you are the perfect age. Each year is special and precious, for you shall only live it once.” — Louise Hay, author, speaker, publisher

“Every year brings you closer to expressing your whole and healed self. I celebrate that. Honor it. Hold it in reverence. And I’m grateful for every age I’m blessed to become.” — Oprah Winfrey

“If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written on our heart. The spirit should never grow old. — James A. Garfield, 20th U.S. president

“One day you will look back and see that all along, you were blooming.” — Morgan Harper Nichols, American Christian musician, artist and writer

We have no choice in the matter. We are aging. So, let’s make a commitment to keep the journey as pleasant as possible by staying as healthy as we can and by adjusting our thinking so we can enjoy the trip. And let’s learn from the positive attitudes of those who are on the same road.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; lunch music, 11:45 a.m.; staff and resident ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary, 10 a.m.; hair fixing, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminiscing, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: Walking club, 10 a.m.; hydration time, 10:30 a.m.; Pastor Sam, 10:45 a.m.; crafts — painting, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Men’s club, 10 a.m.; fit for fun, 10:30 a.m.; resident choice, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Skip Bo, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 11 a.m.; music, 11:45 a.m.; happy hour fun, 2 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Family time, 10 a.m.; coloring fun, 1:30 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on NBC-TV, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

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

Monday: Early bird bingo, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; concert with Jim Quayles, 2 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Book club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; current events, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Getting pretty, 9:30 a.m.; men’s club, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; monthly birthday party with Larry, music and cake, 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.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; beer tasting, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word game/volleyball, 9:30 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: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; current events, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; tape art, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Mass, a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; chair exercise, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Sunshine Club, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee clutch, 9 a.m.; reminiscing, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; flip-o, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Scattegories, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

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

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; hangman, 10:15 a.m.; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; courtyard cabana – watermelon, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; bowling against Family Ties, 10 a.m.; pictionary, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Short stories, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Scrabble, 10 a.m.; courtyard mingle — board games and music, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Painting, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair yoga, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; bean bag toss, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; happy hour and birthdays, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

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

906-97-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; ice cream social, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; picture this, 11 a.m.; manicures, 1:45 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; food talk and RC, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; travelogue, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles; resident/staff challenge.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Kwik Trip and Family Dollar, 9:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; pirate detectives, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; paint and sip, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; ker plunk, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; balloon toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 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: Pasty, cole slaw, buttered corn, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Sloppy Joe with bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Thursday: Creamy chicken and gnocchi soup with spinach, grilled cheese slider, candied carrots.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Smothered chicken, buttered noodles, California blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Scrambled egg muffins, oatmeal with fresh banana, turkey bacon, yogurt cup.

Wednesday: Chicken salad on a bun, cold carrot salad, baked macaroni and cheese, granola parfait.

Thursday: Swedish meatballs, buttered noodles, mixed vegetables, dinner roll.

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

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. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Glazed ham with sweet potatoes or oven-browned potatoes.

Tuesday: Breakfast for supper – French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage links.

Wednesday: Chicken ala king, egg noodles.

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

Monday: Chili, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, peaches.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots.

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: Chili, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, peaches.

Thursday: Chicken Florentine casserole, buttered pasta, baby carrots.

Friday: Sack lunch — Scrambled egg muffins (two), hash browns, fresh banana, yogurt 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: 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.; 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.

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: Chicken stir fry with vegetables, boiled rice, egg roll, fortune cookies.

Tuesday: Cheese omelet with vegetables, sausage patty, hash browns, cinnamon raisin roll.

Wednesday: Ham and cheese slider, creamy tomato soup, baked apples with caramel.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chili, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, peaches.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Smothered pork chop, au gratin potatoes, broccoli, fruit.

Tuesday: Brat on a bun, potato salad, baked beans, fruit.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, baked potato, creamed peas, cucumber salad, fruit pie with ice cream.

Thursday: Cook’s Choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Friday: Chicken pot pie with biscuits, baked sweet potato, 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

Open Monday through Thursday, serving at 11:30 a.m.

Reservations for an onsite meal need to be made 48 hours in advance by calling the above number.

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: Bourbon steak, rice, Italian blend vegetables, zucchini, yogurt with fruit.

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, Far East vegetables, whole wheat bread, scalloped apples.

Wednesday: Congregate birthday party — Pork roast, boiled potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, sunshine cake.

Thursday: Beef stroganoff with mushrooms, green beans, beets, fruit cup.

Friday: Sloppy Joe, hamburger bun, hash browns, corn, fresh fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cold Meal — Chicken salad on a bun (two), string cheese, side salad, granola parfait.

Tuesday: Pancakes, hash browns, pears, yogurt.

Wednesday: Chicken teriyaki bowl with carrots and broccoli, low-fat cottage cheese, biscuit.

Thursday: Garlic salmon linguine, vegetable, whole wheat dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Submarine sandwich on a bun with lettuce and tomato, chips, fresh orange

Wednesday: Parmesan chicken with penne pasta, side salad, carrots, orange fruit fluff

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, rye bread

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are 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: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Tuesday: Spaghetti and meatballs, breadstick, vegetable.

Wednesday: Biscuits and gravy, hash brown potatoes, sausage.

Thursday: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato, vegetable.

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

Birthdays and bingo on second 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.

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.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich, baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread, pudding.

Thursday: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Chili, side salad, cornbread.

Tuesday: Mushroom Swiss burger, oven-baked fries, baked macaroni and cheese.

Wednesday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, peaches.