NIAGARA, Wis. — I had a telephone conversation recently with my youngest son — now 48 years old — during which he echoed my own recent thoughts about life. He explained that he now recognized that the way in which a person approached life depended very much upon the phase of life in which they found themselves. He explained that when he was young, all he did was look ahead to the future and could not wait to get there. In his 20s, 30s and 40s life was a blur of activity that centered on the present: finishing college, finding and building a career, finding and marrying the right woman, buying a house, having and raising kids and enjoying the journey. Now that all of those life tasks had been accomplished, he and his wife found themselves looking ahead to the kind of life they wanted in retirement. They have pondered what they want their future to look like and have decided that they both need to get much healthier so their future stretches further. I found that to be very wise and was thankful they had made that decision.

One of the most important decisions we all make in life — after choosing a spouse and building a career — is how and when we will retire. As I was researching this topic, so many articles on the internet dealt with finances. While financial stability is necessary, there are also other things to consider that are just as important. Primarily, as we retire from our jobs, we need to determine what we are retiring to. How are we going to fill our time if we are not working? Where will we find meaning for the remainder of our lives?

I remember pondering this question for myself when I was reaching the end of my career at our local hospital. A very wise nurse gave me a simple perspective when she said, “Sue, if you were ready to retire, you would not be asking yourself if it was time — you would definitely know.” She was so right. So, let’s take a look at the top emotional signs that it is time to retire.

1. You are no longer wondering; you cannot wait for that retirement date to arrive. Spend a little time thinking about what a good retirement looks like to you and why you feel that now is the time to give your notice.

2. You don’t enjoy work any longer. You most likely looked hard to find and build a career that you enjoyed, which has been a good thing because we all spend a lot of time on the job. But now you find that your attitude toward that once-loved career has changed. You may be feeling unmotivated, apathetic or resentful. This can be a tricky thing to acknowledge because so often personal identity is directly tied to a career.

3. You begin to feel that work is in the way. You have discovered that you really want to start something new, travel more or spend more time with family and friends. Feeling that your career is preventing you from exploring new goals is a clear sign that it is time to retire.

4.You feel left behind. There are certain milestones that we all seem to go through at around the same time, whether it be graduation, marriage, beginning a family or buying a house. If you go into work each day and see more and more of your work friends retiring, it gets more and more difficult to stay goal oriented and career minded.

5. You and your partner agree it is time for retirement. Retirement affects your life in a huge way. Your lifestyle and finances are immediately changed. Having your spouse on board with any decision you make is critical as the monthly budget and health insurance will definitely change and impact your spouse as well. In fact, simply having you home all the time will create the need for an adjustment. This is a decision that should be made together.

It is important to get emotionally ready to retire before you actually take that big step. Here are three things to consider.

1. Get financially fit. While still working, have a financial plan that will allow you to retire without worry. Start to save any raises or bonuses at work in a special retirement account. Pay off any debt. Work with a financial planner. Retirement is not enjoyable if you are not properly prepared financially.

2. Do inner work. Leaving your “day job” behind will allow you the time to think about how you can be of use to the greater world around you. Instead of making a living, you can begin to think about how to make a difference.

3. Cultivate your relationships. During your working years, most of your friendships were forged in the workplace. Shared accomplishments and similar frustrations created bonds that helped you get through your work day. In retirement, you no longer have the built-in social network that your job provided. Ease into this by beginning to make friends outside of work before you retire.

Now that you have retired, you will be in for more adjustments. You do not wake up one morning happily retired; it will feel unsettling at first. The road to retiring successfully is a ramp, not a switch. Here are the five stages of retirement.

1. Imagination. You are in the second half of your career and begin to fantasize about what you will finally have time to pursue and how your life is going to change. And you are really looking forward to the freedom that most definitely awaits.

2. Anticipation. You have not yet quite walked out of the door at work, but you are close. Retirement begins to feel real at this point, and the reality of this next stage may actually cause a little unexpected anxiety. But you have friends who have retired, and you can begin to make plans for what retirement may hold for you.

3. Liberation. You’ve done it; you’ve walked out the door and left the daily grind behind. You enjoy the first few weeks; it feels like a long-awaited vacation. The idea of “being gone for good” has not yet entered your conscious thoughts. As you begin new hobbies, visit loved ones in the middle of the day, and tackle the to-do list you cannot imagine ever being bored in retirement.

4. Reorientation. You begin to get used to your new lifestyle and have most likely become accustomed to your new schedule. But, for some, this is the period in which they struggle to adjust, and for them it may take a while. It is important to remember that your retirement doesn’t have to “match” anyone else’s. You can travel, write a book, go back to school and take classes for the fun of it, or even work part time. The important thing is that you treat this stage as an opportunity, not an ending.

5. Reconciliation. This final stage of adjustment occurs several years into retirement once you have embraced your new life. You might be busier than you thought you would be or simply enjoy the more relaxed pace. You likely cannot imagine going back into work. You have stability, freedom, and peace of mind.

If all of this seems a bit scary, remember these words from David Bowie. “Aging is an extraordinary process whereby you become the person that you always should have been.” Retirement affords you the time to do just that.

——

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: Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.; staff and resident ice cream social, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; rosary, 10 a.m.; room visits, 10 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.; reminisce, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; horse racing, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” game show, dining room, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; Bible study, 10 a.m.; hockey with pool noodles, 11 a.m.; resident choice of games, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Breakfast fun, 7:45 a.m.; home school kids visit, 10 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search puzzle, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; volleyball, 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: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bonfire, 1:30 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2 p.m.; bingo, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; resident council, 10:30 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; animal kingdom, 2 p.m.; musical movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/current events, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; Christ United, 1 p.m.; ’50s day sock hop with Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2 p.m.

Friday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; Gibson Lake, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; faces and places, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/spelling bball, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; current events, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; ice cream social, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Golden K bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee klatch, 9:30 a.m.; reminiscing, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Sunshine Club/outside fun, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; pokeno, 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: Coffee and chat, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; flag football in courtyard, 1 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; “Soundz of Time” – Jan and Gino, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; five second rule game, 10 a.m.; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; baking — apple dumplings; 10:15 a.m.; resident choice, 1 p.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Prelude music, 9 a.m.; Maryhill Anniversary Mass, 9:30 a.m.; milkshake madness, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; hedbanz, 10 a.m.; C & R happy hour — Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Uno, 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities

Monday: Music and memories, 10 a.m.; air hockey, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; manicure, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Chair dance — ’70s music, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason, 10 a.m.; brain teaser, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; group crossword puzzle, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 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

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation/off to the races, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; social circle and treats, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation/open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 11 a.m.; bowling, 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.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; travelogue, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation/open room, 9:30 a.m.; Family Dollar, 10 a.m.; can you picture this? 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation/open room, 9:30 a.m.; cranium crunch, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Kerplunk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation/Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; Jerry Beauchamp, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; bunco, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation/exercise group, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packets.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, candied carrots, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken and dressing sandwich, mashed potatoes, corn-on-the-cob with butter.

Thursday: Pancakes, hashbrowns, pears, yogurt.

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: Hearty beef stew, pickled beets, whole wheat dinner roll.

Tuesday: Roasted chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli bake, brownie.

Wednesday: Liver and onions, roasted garlic potatoes, corn-on-the-cob with butter.

Thursday: Oven-fried fish, tartar sauce, baked potato, wax beans.

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 dining in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili mac, cornbread.

Tuesday: Tuna noodle casserole.

Wednesday: Beef chop suey, white rice, chow mein noodles.

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

Monday: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, baked apples.

Thursday: Beef and cabbage bake, steamed baby dill carrots, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

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: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, baked apples.

Thursday: Beef and cabbage bake, steamed baby dill carrots, dinner roll with butter pat, pudding cup.

Friday: Strawberry spinach salad with shredded chicken, croissant, fruit cobbler.

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: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli with cheese.

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

Wednesday: Tater tot casserole, corn-on-the-cob with butter, Jell-O with fruit.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, baked apples.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken noodle casserole, dark green salad, breadsticks, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice — entrée, vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Pasty, beet salad, fruit, cookies.

Thursday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, broccoli, apple crisp with whipped topping.

Friday: Fish sandwich with lettuce and tomato, baked beans, 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 a meal onsite 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: Breaded chicken breast, hamburger bun, potato wedges, Prince William vegetables, peach cup.

Tuesday: Swedish meatballs, egg noodles, diced beets, California blend vegetables, applesauce

Wednesday: Taco salad (with meat, salsa, lettuce, tomato, olives, onions, sour cream and tortilla chips), tropical fruit.

Thursday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, boiled potato, corn, whole wheat bread, pear cup.

Friday: Cream of potato soup, egg salad spread, whole wheat sandwich bread, three bean salad, fruit cocktail.

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: Smothered chicken, buttered noodles, California blend vegetables.

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

Wednesday: Bratwurst and cabbage bake, corn-on-the-cob with butter, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower, biscuit with butter pat.

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. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Pork cutlet, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, whole wheat bread, diced peaches.

Wednesday: Meat loaf with gravy, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes, dinner roll, blueberry cobbler.

Thursday: Chop suey, brown rice, chow mein noodles, cold baby carrot sticks, cherry dump cake.

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: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit, vegetable blend.

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Homemade chili, green beans, cornbread.

Thursday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes with gravy, cauliflower.

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. For more information, call Joe at 906-563-5587.

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 are available. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also can be ordered.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Wet burrito, refried beans, cornbread.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, whole wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Baked ziti with mozzarella, garlic biscuit, side salad, baked apple.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Lemon chicken and rice, steamed Brussel sprouts.

Tuesday: Cheesy tuna casserole, peas, croissant.

Wednesday: Turkey stroganoff, corn-on-the-cob with butter, baked apples.