Today, there are three things for you.
1. Falling can change your life!
“Finding Balance Together” is a community group of caring professionals who want to help all of us stay upright. Their mission is to “increase awareness that falls are the leading cause of serious injuries and can be preventable”. This group includes healthcare providers, pharmacies and advocacy groups. Their website tells us:
- A progressive loss of muscle mass occurs starting at age 40 and loss can continue to increase each decade. (I can attest to that.)
- 3 out of 4 adults who are hospitalized after a fall either die or require long term care.
- The top 5 causes of falls in the Fox Valley include tripping/stumbling, falling from a chair, falling down steps, falling from a height (off a roof/object), and falling off ladders.
Falls can be preventable. These folks want to help keep you on your feet. 
Join them (and me) for the annual, FREE fall-prevention community event. This year it is called Finding Balance Together: What is in your Finding Balance Toolbox? You will find us on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at Bridgewood Conference Center, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah. 8:30 am until noon. It will be a morning filled with ideas for tools to help you stay steady, safe, and independent:
- Learn exercises promoting balance and strength
- Gain valuable insights to prevent and manage concussions
- Participate in interactive health screens
- View engaging demonstrations – such as how to use urban walking poles and ideas for nutritious meals
- Explore helpful community resources
- Much more!
Also, bring your unused or expired medicines to drop in a secure Drug Take Back Box.
The event is FREE. It is appreciated if you register so they know you are coming. Reserve your space by going to: https://www.findingbalancetogether.org/
I’ll be there enjoying conversations with folks. Stop by and say “Hi”.
2. I need your help. Next month, let’s have a heart-to-heart discussion about how to move someone from their house to assisted living or memory care when they are unwilling, but they can no longer live safely in their house: when it has reached the point that it absolutely must happen. Please send me your thoughts and suggestions on how to do this successfully. What has worked for you? Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com
3. It has been 15 years since I started writing this column for the Post Crescent. All those year ago, I asked the editor, Dan Flannery, for the opportunity to have a practical and ongoing conversation with folks. My goal has always been to get you to start thinking about the life changes associated with aging and what you might do to make that inevitable transition easier. Thank you, Post Crescent, and thank you, readers, for sharing your ideas, your challenges, your tears and your support. I love it when I meet with someone, and they talk about a specific column that meant a lot to them. Thank you all. Let’s keep the conversations going.
Jean Long Manteufel writes a column each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com or call 920-585-7769.