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Aging does not automatically mean poor health

NIAGARA, Wis. — This is a common topic as we age. In fact, I know I have devoted column space a time or two already to debunking the myth that aging automatically means a decrease in our health status. Today, I am going to address it again because I believe that we are faced with way too many negative stereotypes about aging, making it easy for us to begin to believe them ourselves. So despite the jokes we may hear or the less-than-flattering television programs, we do not have one foot in the grave once we hit 65.

First, we are not preordained to poor physical health just because we have added a few years or even because certain conditions run in our families. Granted, genetics do predispose us to acquiring some diseases but, for the most part, we retain control over our future health quality through our own lifestyle choices. This is an important concept to grasp. Far too often, we feel we are the victims of our genetics when we really have more choice than we realize. And even when we do inherit a health issue, we still have the power to seek medical help to address it.

Regular check-ups, screenings and preventative care are all within our grasp and will help the early identification of health issues that could cause us problems in the future. Overall well-being can also be achieved through regular physical activity to help maintain muscle strength, bone density and heart health while lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis. Also, make healthy food choices, paying attention to getting enough servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Finally, research has proven that having a positive attitude toward aging can improve both physical and mental health. Be the “little engine that could,” and you will accomplish that daily exercise and eat appropriately.

Myth number two has to do with our brain’s ability to function. Known as cognitive health, this ability does not exit once we reach a certain age. Granted, we will notice small changes, such as processing speed; we may not be able to remember names as easily or recall when it was that we bought the dishwasher that now keeps giving us problems. But in other ways, our brains function better as we age. Older adults shine in areas requiring problem solving and managing emotions. And because of our deep well of knowledge acquired through the years, we can offer insights and wisdom. This is referred to as “crystallized intelligence” — the kind that comes from lived experience. Each of life’s challenges gives us the knowledge and confidence needed to solve the next one.

Myth number three suggests that as we age, we cannot learn new things. As it turns out, old dogs can, indeed, learn new tricks. There is no limit to what older individuals can learn or accomplish — especially since retirement gives us all the more time to pursue interests we had to postpone during our working years. I can remember returning to my hometown and visiting my favorite English professor. During that visit, I learned that he had taken up piano lessons — something he had always wanted to do but never had the time when preparing lessons and grading compositions. Beyond just the time element, the human brain retains its ability to grow and adapt throughout life, thanks to neuroplasticity — an ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This remarkable capacity allows older adults to learn new skills, take up hobbies, or embark on entirely new career paths.

A fourth — and potentially dangerous — myth concerns sleep. It is completely untrue that we need less sleep as we age. Aging does affect our sleep patterns. We may experience lighter sleep, awakening more easily than we did when we were younger. Or we may find ourselves heading to bed earlier than we once did. However, the number of hours of shut eye required does not change; no matter our age, we need seven to nine hours of sleep each night for physical health, cognitive function and emotional well-being. In fact, research has proven that when older adults consistently get less sleep than they need, it can lead to problems including memory impairment, weakened immunity and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.

Additionally, when we do notice differences in our sleep quality as we age it is generally linked to external factors rather than biological needs. For example, health issues, medications and lifestyle habits can all disrupt our sleep. No matter our age, it is important to practice good sleep habits. These include: maintaining a consistent bedtime, limiting caffeine or alcohol and phone usage before bed and staying physically active. There are, however, culprits that may arrive as we age that can rob us of quality sleep, including sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. It is important that we address these conditions — there are treatments for both — so we get the precious sleep we need to remain healthy and active, no matter our age.

Finally, the myth I feel to be the most discouraging when believed is the one that claims the best years are behind us. Now, when we finally have the time to pursue those activities about which we were always curious, we are led to believe we are incapable of new achievements.

What a loss — for both ourselves and society — if this were true. Thankfully, “passion and potential have no expiration date.” Staying active and, indeed, reaching for the stars are crucial for physical and mental vitality and for continuing to make the world a better place for everyone. History is full of both personal feats attained and accomplishments that improved our world. Diana Nyad, at 64, became the first person to swim 110 miles from Cuba to Florida without a shark cage, and Fauja Singh not only ran his first marathon at 89 but continued to complete long-distance races well past his 100th birthday! Creativity and innovation also continue to blossom with age thanks to our accumulated life experiences and perspective. Author Bonnie Garmus published her popular debut novel “Lessons in Chemistry” in her 60s, and model and fashionista Linda Rodin began a successful beauty empire after the age of 50. And there have been countless other stories of successes both big and small accomplished by “older” adults.

Truly, age is only a number. It is not an indicator of what we can or cannot accomplish. No matter our dream — big or small — it is not too late. Neither are we leaving our prime behind as we accumulate years. Our life is all about building upon what we have learned, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to grow and prosper no matter our age. So … grab that brass ring and go for a ride as far as life will take you!

Note: This information was taken from an article written by Kristina Wright for “Science and Technology.”

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.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activity room, 11:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; sing along with Bayside Nursing, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 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, 8:30 a.m.; “You Be The Judge,” 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; afternoon matinee, 1 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; DT launch, 11:15 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.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; mystery ride, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; pictionary, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Travel club, 9:30 a.m.; coffee social, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; smart shoppers, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 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: Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with Paul, 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzle pack/hangman, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; games or movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Yahtzee club, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; chair yoga, 1 p.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: No information available.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Family members are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 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.; Derby Day, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; morning mingle, 10:15 a.m.; quilt show, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; sharing memories, 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.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; afternoon ride, 12:30 p.m.; chili cookoff, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Five second rule, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: No information available.

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; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; root beer floats and classic country, 1:30 p.m.; church services, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 p.m.; men’s group/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 and who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; remember going to the movies, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; coffee social circle in the dining room, 9:30 a.m.; pictionary, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 1:45 p.m.; uno, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/word reduction, 10 a.m.; wonderland games, 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia; Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4:15 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: No information available.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

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

Wednesday: Broccoli and ham stuffed potatoes, beets, croissant.

Thursday: Smothered chicken and rice, California blend vegetables, dinner roll.

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: Liver and onions (or substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit, pudding cup.

Tuesday: French onion pork chops, garlic mashed potatoes, biscuit.

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

Thursday: Honey garlic chicken with vegetables, lo Mein, 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: Ground beef goulash, dinner rolls.

Tuesday: Pork chop suey, white rice, chow mein noodles.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy.

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

Monday: Mediterranean style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatball soup, biscuit with butter, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, whole wheat bread with butter.

Thursday: Chili, hard roll, pudding.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

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

Monday: Mediterranean-style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatball soup, biscuit with butter, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, whole wheat bread with butter.

Thursday: Chili, hard roll, pudding.

Friday: Walking tacos, refried beans, fruit.

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 soft tacos, Spanish rice, vegetables.

Tuesday: Chili, vegetable, hard roll, Jell-O with fruit.

Wednesday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, vegetable, dinner roll, pudding.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Mediterranean-style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatball soup, biscuit with butter, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, whole wheat bread with butter.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cook’s choice — entree, vegetable, fruit.

Tuesday: Soft-shell tacos (taco meat, romaine, tomato, onion, black olives, cheese, sour cream), refried beans, tropical fruit.

Wednesday: Winter Picnic — Sloppy Joes, potato salad, fruit, peach cobbler.

Thursday: Chicken salad on a croissant with lettuce and tomato, tomato soup, dill pickle, fruit pie.

Friday: Beer-battered fish, German potato salad, broccoli, fruit.

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

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Home-delivered meals will be served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. No meals will be delivered on Monday or Wednesday. The dining center is only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Space is limited — call the day before to make a reservation at 715-589-4491.

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

This site is closed until further notice.

Home-delivered meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. No Wednesday meal is available.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

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 chicken, brown rice, California blend vegetables, wax beans, pineapple tidbits.

Tuesday: Spaghetti with meatballs and marinara sauce, Scandinavian vegetables, steamed zucchini, diced peaches, whole wheat breadstick.

Wednesday: Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, peas and carrots, diced pears, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Pork chop smothered in mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy, Riviera blend vegetables, apple slices, whole wheat bread.

Friday: Cheeseburger, hamburger bun, diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, mixed fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m., with meal at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Grandma’s chicken and dumplings, vegetable, fruit.

Tuesday: Blackened fish, au gratin potatoes, cauliflower, apple crisp.

Wednesday: Taco beef and noodle skillet, Spanish rice, refried beans, dinner roll.

Thursday: Cheese tortellini with meat sauce, Italian style vegetables, garlic bread.

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 is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Barbecue meatballs, mashed potatoes, broccoli, wheat bread, cherry dump cake.

Wednesday: Beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots, wheat dinner roll, fresh orange.

Thursday: Baked fish, baby red potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, rye bread.

Bingo will be played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

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 if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef stroganoff, egg noodles, vegetable, pudding parfait.

Tuesday: Chicken cordon bleu, baked potato, vegetable, cookie.

Wednesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, buttered carrots.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable.

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 on site. Salad bar will open at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are also available.

Menu for the week —

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

Wednesday: Open-face chicken and stuffing sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Thursday: Turkey vegetable soup, grilled cheese sandwich, Jell-O.

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

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Mediterranean-style chicken, buttered noodles, Italian vegetables.

Tuesday: Meatball soup, biscuit with butter, fresh fruit.

Wednesday: Unstuffed pepper bowl, peas, whole wheat bread with butter.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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