Suzanne Killian

NIAGARA, Wis. — I met with my study group today, and we had a conversation about memory and how we sometimes felt that we were losing it as we aged. We cited how we sometimes walk into a room and forget why we had come there. Were we going to get something? If so, what was it?

I shared with them that as organized as my mother always had been on her job as a secretary with four bosses in a very busy dean’s office at Ripon College, she could not remember where she put her car keys when she got home. The minute she walked in the door, she entered a different world which demanded different things from her. She had to shift gears and decide what to make for supper while she was fielding questions from four kids. Anytime we had to leave the house in the car, the four of us had this frantic search for Mom’s car keys. We found them set down in very different places sometimes which represented where she was when she got distracted.

I really believe that is why my husband and I put up a four-pronged wire rack on the wall just inside the back door. The first thing he does is hang up his keys on those prongs. We hang all of our keys there — along with a shoehorn. We never waste any time looking for either of these items because we leave them in the same place every day.

I certainly cannot remember things now as easily as I could when I was younger. I was always busy with my job, the house, the meals, and with our two boys and their activities. My husband was in sales and worked away from home all week so was only home on weekends. I made a point to get all of my “chores” done before he got home on Friday so we could all enjoy the weekend. I look back on those very busy years and wonder how in the world I kept everything straight.

These days in retirement, I am not nearly as busy with as many different things as I was back then. But I still make out a weekly menu and grocery list so once the shopping is done and groceries bought, I just have to open the kitchen cupboard door and look at the pre-planned menu to know what I am fixing for supper. I also find that I have settled into a weekly routine. Monday is laundry day, and every Tuesday I meet with my study group and write this column. The rest of the week I have appointments, read my book club book, pay bills, and cook supper. I no longer iron anything, and since arthritis invaded my joints, Carla cleans our house.

While having a routine helps me remember, I have to admit that I find myself saying to my husband quite often that “it seems like Saturday today” and then he reminds me what day of the week it actually is. We laugh, and he just shakes his head.

It is interesting to understand that there are indeed different levels of memory changes. So, what kinds of memory issues are considered normal aging? And what situations signal that we have serious memory issues that need our attention and possibly a trip to see our doctor? As it turns out, there are three levels of memory changes that can occur as we age.

First, let’s take a look at age-associated memory changes. Age-associated memory impairment is when you are having trouble remembering things, but:

— They are not disturbing your life in any noticeable way.

— They are not interfering with your ability to finish tasks as you typically would.

— You have no trouble learning new information and remembering it.

— No underlying medical condition is behind your memory issues.

Age-related memory deterioration is a common aspect of the aging process. It does not indicate dementia. You may occasionally have trouble remembering things, such as the location of your keys or the name of a classmate, but these are not symptoms of dementia. Although you might not recall information as quickly as you previously did, this is usually not a reason for worry.

Second, let’s consider Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI. Mild cognitive impairment is a condition that lies between dementia and age-associated memory decline. As the name implies, MCI symptoms are mild; while you may have memory loss and other symptoms like disorientation and trouble speaking, they are not severe enough to interfere with your regular activities and daily routines. However, compared to people with age-associated memory impairment, those with MCI are also more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. 

Third, dementia has arrived when your memory loss is so severe that:

— It is interfering with your everyday life and your capacity to maintain your regular schedule.

— You are having trouble learning new things.

— You are having difficulty finishing things with which you are familiar.

— People around you are beginning to notice changes in your abilities.

If you are noticing the characteristics above, your memory impairments correspond to what people typically experience in the early stages of dementia.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the most common age-related cognitive changes so you know what to expect and to lessen your concern when you may think you are totally “losing it.” The following are the normal memory-related brain changes:

— In normal aging, “episodic memory,” the ability to recall personal experiences and recent events, typically shows the most notable decline. Studies suggest relatively stable performance until middle age, followed by a sharper decline thereafter.

— In contrast, “semantic memory, knowledge of facts, vocabulary, and general concepts, remains mostly stable across adulthood. It may even increase into middle age, with only modest declines appearing in very late life.

— Working memory, responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information, also declines with age, and this decline may even forecast later episodic memory deterioration.

— “Procedural memory,” encompassing motor skills and habits, tends to remain intact in normal aging, exhibiting little to no deficit in older adults.

The average adult’s brain volume decreases by 5% every 10 years after the age of 40. Older individuals may experience difficulties finding the correct words or recalling names, struggle with multitasking, and acquire new skills at a slower rate than they did in the past.

Hopefully, today’s column has helped you to better understand what to expect as you age and to know what is normal aging so you do not become overly concerned. Relax, take a deep breath, and know that nothing is wrong with you … you are simply aging like fine wine and good cheese.

Source: Alzheimer’s Research Association – September 10, 2025, issue

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has 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: Work on weekend packets; Strong Tower Church, 2 p.m.; Sunday football

Monday: Popcorn day; Hungry Hungry Hippo, 10 a.m.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Pull the cup — don’t drop the ball, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Wack-a-Lisa, 10 a.m.; making eye of God, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Paper race, 10 a.m.; new fun dice game, 2 p.m.

Friday: Move to the colored dice, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Weekend packet, 10 a.m.; “The Wall” on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; hangman, 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: National Popcorn Day; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10 a.m.; book club, 10:30 a.m.; getting pretty, 1:15 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; men’s club, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee/current events, 9:30 a.m.; parachute, 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 with Gayle, 2 p.m.

Friday: Casino, 9:15 a.m.; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; web browsing, 2 p.m.; western movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Word search / high rollers, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.  

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Sunday devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Martin Luther King Jr., 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Cheese Lovers Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; spa day, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; National Granola Bar Day, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversation, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; craft, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; vision boards, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Pol, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; afternoon coffee, 1:30 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.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; roll a snowman game, 10 a.m.; snow, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; Scattegories, 10 a.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Ray and Mindy, 2 p.m.

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

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was 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; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; Sunday Funday, 2:30 p.m.; “Sunday Night Football”; coloring pages; daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; light debate, 11 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; Monday night football, 6:45 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; Pictionary, 11 a.m.; Bob Larson, 2 p.m.; cribbage, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10:30 a.m.; Alaskan scavenger hunt, 2 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; Thursday night football, 7 p.m.; daily chronicles.

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

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; noodle ball, 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.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, wild rice, corn.

Wednesday: Beef tips over noodles, vegetable, bread.

Thursday: Vegetable beef soup, broccoli and cheese, baked potato, salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Pasty pie, California blend vegetables, applesauce.

Tuesday: Fish with vegetables, roasted potatoes, cookies.

Wednesday: Cabbage rolls, carrots, biscuit.

Thursday: Evening meal, 4 p.m., salad bar, 3:30 p.m. — Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, brownie.

Crystal Falls Center

Cooks: Debbie Bigalke (Mondays) and Jess Anderson (Tuesdays/Wednesdays)

906-875-6709

The center serves 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 a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Cabbage rolls.

Tuesday: Pulled turkey on a bun.

Wednesday: Brats, potato salad, baked beans.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 244.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, wax beans, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Chicken and dumplings, cauliflower with cheese, biscuit, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Cheeseburger, french fries, baked beans.

Thursday: Meatloaf, baked potato, candied carrots, dinner roll, pudding.

Friday: Taco beef and noodle skillet, fiesta corn, cornbread.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.

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

Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559

Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899. 

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. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Fish basket.

Tuesday: Pork loin roast.

Wednesday: Evening meal – Meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cabbage roll casserole, mashed potatoes, broccoli Normandy, fruit.

Tuesday: Chicken Caesar salad (chicken, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan, chickpeas, Caesar dressing); whole wheat dinner rolls, applesauce.

Wednesday: Copycat KFC Bowl, spinach orange salad, raspberry bars.

Thursday: Wisconsin cheese soup, roast beef sandwich with lettuce and tomato, fruit.

Friday: Fish tacos (with coleslaw, salsa, tomatoes, olives, black beans and onions), corn salad, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, diced carrots, boiled red potatoes, whole wheat bread, fruit cup.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas with onions, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Chicken and spaghetti, vegetables, wax beans, diced peaches, whole wheat breadstick.

Thursday: Beef taco bake, Mexican corn, oven potatoes, fresh fruit

Milk is available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Monday: Patty melt, onion soup.

Tuesday: Chicken ala king.

Wednesday: Goulash, dinner roll.

Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes with gravy.

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

Niagara Senior Center/Café

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.

Monday: Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday: Taco bar, chicken tortilla soup.

Wednesday: Polish sausage, sauerkraut, sweet potatoes, wheat bread, spiced fruit bake.

Thursday: Swiss steak with peppers and onions, mashed potatoes, corn, pistachio fruit fluff, wheat bread.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday a 12:30 p.m.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. — those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken ala king, biscuits, mixed vegetables, cookies.

Tuesday: Chicken patties, fries, baked beans.

Wednesday: Chef salad with chicken, ham and egg, ham and Swiss sliders, fruit cup.

Thursday: Liver or burger, mashed potatoes with gravy, wax beans, biscuit.

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.

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. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Sweet potato chicken bake.

Wednesday: Hot Italian turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy.

Thursday: Open-face roast beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy.