NIAGARA, Wis. — Do you read the daily obituaries? My husband and I find ourselves reading them to see if there is anyone we know who is no longer with us. I cannot remember when this habit started, but we find we have had an increasing interest in that page of the paper the older we get ourselves. And I also have found that our idea of when is too young to die has also changed. When we were younger — in our 50s — someone dying in their 70s seemed about average. Now that we are in our 70s, we find ourselves saying, “Gosh, he was only 72. That is really young.” Or we marvel that we are the same age and are still kicking.

This just goes to show that our definition of “old” is in part dependent upon our own age. When we are young, we typically do not even think of our own death or the quality of our health. We are too busy looking ahead and planning for our future. Our parents seemed old to us at the age of 40! When we reach that age ourselves, we are more concerned with the present: succeeding at our jobs, caring for a family, raising our children, and maybe building a nest egg to help support ourselves when we do get old. But “old” is still in the distance.

Well, most of you reading this column have come to the realization my husband and I have: we have, indeed, arrived at old age. Hopefully, most of us have found that it isn’t too bad, and we have decided we really want to stick around for awhile. Certainly, if we have longevity in our family, we stand a better chance of living longer ourselves. Also, one of my physicians told me years ago that if we can attain the age of 60 without having experienced a major illness, we have a much better chance of living into our 90s. While we cannot control our family history, there are steps we can take to help avoid serious illness. I recently read an article in AARP magazine that outlined eight steps to take to help our journey along the road of life last a bit longer — and stay more enjoyable. I share them with you today.

1. Keep your social calendar full. Spending too much time alone can have a big impact on mental and physical health, and we older adults are especially at risk of spending too much alone time as we lose touch with family and friends due to moves, physical limitations or deaths. Social isolation has been linked to both physical illness and the decline of mental capacity. To avoid this isolation, stay in touch with family and friends via voice and video chats. Volunteer at any one of your community agencies; there is no shortage of groups who will gladly welcome your assistance. You will add years to your life and have fun doing it. Learn something new. We are fortunate to have Bay College in our community, so look into their curriculum for seniors. You will meet new people and help your brain stay healthy. Think about adopting a pet from the local animal shelter; studies have shown that the need to care for a pet keeps us engaged. Just be sure to welcome one that fits your lifestyle — tip, dogs are needier than cats.

2. Get your hearing and vision checked. We typically remember to visit our primary care physician for our annual physical exam, but we may not see the need for regular attention to our vision and hearing. The need for attention to both these areas increases with age. Neglecting a hearing loss makes us more susceptible to dementia so pay attention to any difficulty hearing conversation when background noise is present or if you find yourself increasing the volume on your television set. Our eyes change as we age making us more likely to develop cataracts or macular degeneration. Consequently, we become more prone to accident and injury. Annual vision checks are essential to keep us safe and able to drive.

3. Take care of your teeth. There was a time when aging automatically meant dentures. This is no longer the case as long as we continue to care for our teeth and gums throughout our lives. And here is something you may not have known: poor oral health has been linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases as well as to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We should visit our dentist a minimum of once each year. While Medicare Advantage plans have some dental coverage, traditional Medicare does not cover dental work so cost may be an issue for many. Check with local dentists to see if they have programs for seniors. Also, Care Credit is a program which allows you to charge your dental work; if you pay it back within the agreed time frame of one to two years, it is interest-free.

4. Focus on your sleep. Long gone are the days when we could sleep like a rock for hours on end. Sleep challenges do come with aging, but they can also signify diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. Discuss any sleep difficulties with your physician. You may only need to adopt a few new habits: stick to a sleep schedule, don’t go to bed hungry or too full, avoid caffeine past noon and alcohol too close to bedtime, keep your bedroom dark, and find ways to relax away from TV and computer screens an hour before bedtime.

5. Keep your weight in check. It is common to gain weight in middle age due to a change in metabolism. But too much extra weight can mean dying several years younger than folks at normal weight. Choose healthy foods and get 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise.

6. Work on balance and strength. As we age, we not only need cardio exercise, but we need to add exercises that specifically address building strength and increasing our balance — both to prevent bone loss and to reduce the risk of falls. Falls at our age can be serious enough to break bones and cause head injury. Simple exercises done regularly at home are enough to accomplish this. Stand on one leg at a time for as long as possible to increase balance, and work with resistance bands to increase strength.

7. If you are still smoking, quit. Don’t kid yourself — it’s never too late to quit smoking. When you do, your lung function and circulatory system will improve in a surprisingly short time. Even after age 60, your heart rate and blood pressure drop to normal levels, and your risk of having a heart attack or stroke will decrease.

8. Stay on top of routine screenings. It’s important to have regular screenings for diseases that become more common with age, such as cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends the following annual screenings for those of us older than age of 50: breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. Your physician can tell you which ones to get and how often to get them. Remember this mantra: “Early detection is your best protection.”

We cannot control how old we are getting; that happens with each passing year. However, we can impact how well we live each of those years which will determine the quality of our lives and the amount of enjoyment we receive from each one. So, make a promise to yourself to get the most out of each year you have left.

Remember, life is a precious gift to be opened and enjoyed. This is especially true, and only possible, when you still have good health.

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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 runs on donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; relax, coloring, 2 p.m.

Monday: Chair fun, 10 a.m.; trivia, 10:30 a.m.; ping pong cup toss, 11 a.m.; card club, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Nails/room visits, 10 a.m.; Youtube live action, 11 a.m.; memory care with Jamie, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; coffee talk, 10:30 a.m.; wacky Wednesday, 11 a.m.; dining room crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Shut the box, 10 a.m.; room crafts, 1:30 p.m.; bunny visits, 2 p.m.

Friday: Working with clay, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 1 p.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.; high rollers, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; bonfire, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; Dan’s songs for seniors, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/trivia, 9:30 a.m.; batawagama, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; garden club, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; getting pretty, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2:30 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/name that word, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.;

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

No information was available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

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

Sunday: Coffee and sweets, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; Father’s Day 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.; game night, 5:15 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10:15 a.m.; Protestant service, 10:15 a.m.; senior citizen lunch outing, noon; courtyard campfire, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; yard Yahtzee, 10:16 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; history buff, 5:15 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; baking cupcakes with Bob, 10 a.m.; movement in the courtyard, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Buzz words, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; courtyard cabana, ice cream sodas, 2 p.m.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information available

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; donuts with dads, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Bunco, 2:30 p.m.: coloring pages, daily chronicle.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “You be the Judge,” 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, “Grumpier Old Men,” 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; bologna, 4 p.m., daily chronicles

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; hangman 11 a.m.; shopping at Family Dollar; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 a.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m., daily chronicles

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/trivia, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Celtic band, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation, Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; kickoff the summer with UP Health and Hospice, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; Bible studies, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 3 p.m.; daily chronicles; activity packet.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Philly cheese sandwich with ground beef, macaroni and cheese, corn.

Wednesday: Crack chicken penne, Brussel sprouts, dinner roll.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

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

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables.

Tuesday: Chicken bacon ranch, parsley buttered noodles, squash, pudding parfait.

Wednesday: Pasty pie, corn, applesauce.

Thursday: Chicken gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner roll.

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: Grilled brats, beans, tater tots.

Tuesday: Barbecue chicken, rice pilaf.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

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

Monday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, lo mein, whole wheat dinner roll.

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

Wednesday: Lemon chicken and rice, Brussel sprouts, spiced pears.

Thursday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, applesauce.

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: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, lo mein, whole wheat dinner roll.

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

Wednesday: Lemon chicken and rice, Brussel sprouts, spiced pears.

Thursday: Biscuits and sausage gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, applesauce.

Friday: Crunchy chicken tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans.

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 3 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.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available for pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable.

Tuesday: Joan’s famous turkey wrap with cheese, chips, cole slaw.

Wednesday: Evening meal, honoring dad — Pot roast with carrots, Yukon Gold potatoes, roll and dessert.

Note: The Michigan Secretary of State mobile office will be on site at the Felch Township Hall for the evening meal Wednesday. These mobile offices can provide such services as driver’s license renewals and vehicle title transfers.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato and onion, vegetable pasta salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Cook’s choice – entree, vegetable, fruit.

Wednesday: Pasties, cole slaw, ambrosia salad, fruit.

Thursday: Chicken pot pie, tater tot casserole, dark green salad, fruit.

Friday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesday only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Hobo dinner, carrots, potatoes, warm cinnamon peaches, potato salad, breadstick.

Tuesday: Chicken parmesan, spaghetti noodles, diced beets, Scandinavian vegetables, fruit cocktail.

Wednesday: Turkey loaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, Normandy vegetables, diced pears, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Swiss steak, brown rice, root vegetable blend, green beans, fresh fruit.

Friday: Herb-baked fish, baked potato, mixed vegetables, warm fruit crisp, whole wheat bread.

Milk served at every meal.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals are available. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Bacon-lettuce-tomato croissant, fries, pudding.

Tuesday: Oven-fried fish and chips, tartar sauce, baked beans.

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

Thursday: Baked pork chops, sweet potato with butter, carrots, strawberry shortcake.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

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

Tuesday: Manhattan meatballs, brown rice, peas, spinach salad with tomatoes, peach dump cake.

Wednesday: Pork ribs with gravy, sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, green beans, wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Lemon baked fish, cheesy hashbrowns, baked beans, rye bread, fresh strawberries.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas, pears, pudding.

Tuesday: Chicken Alfredo with egg noodles, mixed vegetables, mandarins, Jell-O.

Wednesday: 4 p.m. – barbecued ribs, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and cake.

Thursday: Philly cheesesteak sandwich, fries, carrots, tropical blend fruit, cookies.

Board meeting on 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.

Tuesday: Baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, biscuit.

Wednesday: Cheese omelet with ham, hashbrowns, applesauce.

Thursday: Garlic parmesan fish, baked potato, carrots, birthday cake — celebrating June birthdays.

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

Home-delivered meals –

Monday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, lo mein, whole wheat dinner roll.

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

Wednesday: Lemon chicken and rice, Brussel sprouts, spiced pears.