Browse all Journey Ahead content by date.

It's Just Stuff: De-Cluttering Helps Us Focus On What's Important

'After all, you've earned the right to spend your golden years not worrying about what's stuffed into closets and attics'

Let's be honest: somewhere in your house there is a drawer, a box, or an entire closet you haven’t opened since the Bush administration (whichever Bush doesn’t matter now). Inside it? Stuff. Glorious, mysterious stuff. Cables to electronics you no longer own. A candle that smells like “autumn nostalgia.” Mismatched gloves. Mismatched socks. 17 mismatched Tupperware lids. Paperclips and dull scissors we always intend to sharpen, but never do ...

‘I No Longer Feel Alone In My Grief’: ADRC’s Grief Support Group Forms Community Of Its Own

weekly meetings at Menomonie senior center are open to anyone who may be in need of a space to grieve, process

Grief. It’s one of those things most are familiar with in concept but can manifest in different ways for different people, and can be difficult to experience on your own. That sentiment is the foundation of Dunn County Aging & Disability Resource Center’s (ADRC) Grief Support Group program. For many group attendees, Monday afternoons have turned into an anchor while experiencing grief. The Grief Support Group meets at the Menomonie Senior Center weekly at noon, chatting – or just listening ...

My Grandfather's Artistry, Brought to Life in Everyday Spaces

a shared artist book and career surrounded by the arts shapes Karl's exploration of light and shadow

My passion for storytelling and visual media isn't solely my own. The urge to write, create, and share has been passed down through generations, from creative individuals like my grandfather, Karl Shapansky. For decades, he and others in my family have explored ...

Some of the Best Area Resources for the Journey Ahead

according to locals who voted in the 2025 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll

From the Best Senior Residence for Independent Living to Best Law Firm for Wills, Trusts & Estates, here are some of the area's best resources ...

Eau Claire's ADRC Has Become A Champion For Collaboration

The regional Aging and Disability Resource Center dedicates its programming to support people living with dementia and their families

Throughout life and in our daily routines, collaboration can become an essential tool for success and well-being. The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eau Claire County (ADRC) embodies these beliefs both in their mission and vision, as they...

A Hopeful Path Toward Peace Of Mind

Caring Transitions honors clients’ stories through senior relocation, downsizing services and growth of CTBids online auctions

Rooted in a mission to transform the lives of seniors and their families, the Caring Transitions staff is always on the move — quite literally. This organization’s work extends beyond a traditional business model — offering full-service moving, estate sales, and final...

A SECOND ACT: Financial Benefits of Working in Retirement

Strategic retirement: why working longer pays off

Retirement often signals the end of a career, but it doesn't mean you have to stop working entirely. Many retirees find fulfillment in transitioning to a less demanding role. If you’re unsure about continuing to work, switching to part-time, or fully retiring, you’re not alone. Here are some benefits of working a bit longer in retirement ...

An Estate Management Checklist: Simplify & Secure Your Legacy

Follow this guide for a great place to start in preparing your estate plan

Estate planning is one of those tasks that many people know they should address, but often put off. It can feel overwhelming, emotional, or even unnecessary – until life proves otherwise. The reality is that every adult, regardless of wealth, benefits from having a plan in place. At Trust Point, estate management isn’t just about financial assets. It’s about clarity, security, and leaving behind a roadmap that eases stress for loved ones. By tackling it step by step ...

September is Healthy Aging Month

take a breath of fresh air this fall and get a fresh start

As summer winds down and routines begin to shift, September offers the perfect opportunity to reflect, refresh, and re-engage – especially when it comes to your health and wellbeing. That’s why the ADRC of Dunn County is proud to recognize September as Healthy Aging Month – a time to celebrate the positive side of growing older and to encourage everyone aged 45 and up to take charge of their physical, social, emotional, and financial health ...

Understanding the Differences Between Forgetfulness & Signs of Dementia

there are a few key distinctions between normal forgetfulness as we age and signs of something more

Have you ever found yourself standing in the middle of a room, wondering what you came in for? Or perhaps you’ve struggled to remember a word that was on the tip of your tongue? These occasional memory lapses are often a normal part of aging and are usually not a cause for alarm. In fact, after we turn 65 years old, almost 40% of us will experience some form of memory loss. For most of us, however, the memory loss will be mild enough that we can still live our day-to-day lives ...