Increasing medical costs are a major burden for many retirees. The combination of these factors and the state of the economy, together with dwindling retirement funds, has prompted many retirees to reduce their houses and simplify their lives. Moreover, when individuals age, they frequently discover that they no longer require the same room and may have difficulties managing a large home.
The statistics say it all. According to a recent poll, 4.7 million persons aged 65 and over were living in poverty in 2017 (9.2%). However, that figure has increased by over 15 million elderly adults aged 65+ who are financially insecure, with incomes below 200 percent of the overall income poverty line. Property taxes, electricity bills, and house upkeep can all be reduced by downsizing, leaving more retirement savings or medical needs. Additionally, downsizing can enable senior citizens to reside in a setting that is easier to maintain and more accommodating of their physical requirements and capabilities.
Downsizing to a more compact senior home could be the key to greater safety, increased efficiency, and enjoyment – plus extra ‘dough’ in hand! After all, fewer possessions mean better maneuverability for daily activities. Senior citizens can now enjoy their surroundings with less clutter around them while still having enough money left over each month for other fun stuff!
What Not to Downsize: When Safety is a Concern
When senior safety is at stake, scrimping on mobility assistance devices like walkers, wheelchairs, and handicap ramps just isn’t worth the risk. They provide invaluable aid to seniors by offering them independence, security, and the ability to move around easily. Rather than skimping on these crucial devices, senior citizens should have access to high-quality and reliable equipment that does not harm their lives. Investing in senior safety through mobility assistance devices is always the smarter option!
- With the use of mobility aids, seniors may get around their homes and neighborhoods with greater ease and freedom, decreasing their need for caregivers while maximizing their own autonomy. The height for handrails should always be up to code so that seniors will have support when going in and out.
- Stability and support provided by mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs greatly reduce the likelihood of injury from falls. Seniors may enter their dwellings and other buildings more easily and safely, thanks to handicap ramps.
- Wheelchairs and walkers let seniors go around more easily and independently, which boosts their independence and quality of life.
- Adjustable chairs and handgrips are just two examples of comfort features common to mobility aids. They may significantly impact seniors who must use these devices for long periods.
- The current design of many mobility aids makes them user-friendly and uncomplicated to operate, especially for elderly people with less motor function.
Downsizing of Time and Schedules To Reduce Stress
Sometimes an older person realizes that life is just spread too thin. It may be time to look honestly at where current interests lie. Suppose a senior notice his or her focus has gone mostly in certain directions. In that case, it may be appropriate to weed out some of the other activities which can drain energy without the payoff of enjoyment they used to offer.
Just the act of making a decision to limit one’s efforts in a more focused direction can put a stop to a huge load of stress. Some seniors benefit from making a list of current activities, then taking a critical look at each to decide where to put one’s future efforts and attention.
Even the process of downsizing can bring its own stress. Consider pacing yourself to give time for mental processing each step along the way. Celebrate small accomplishments before moving on to the next goal. Enlist the help of family and friends at church or in your community as you simplify your life. Reach out to any listening ear. Having someone to bounce ideas off of bits helps decide what to do next, providing comfort and encouragement along the way. This can bring new ideas into the mix and give the bonus of being heard.
Downsizing of Stuff Can Update Emotions by Making Decisions
It is so easy to let possessions get out of control. Yet the cause can often be traced to avoiding, or just not getting around to, regular care and feeding of one’s emotions. Stuff can be reduced by making one decision at a time. For some older people limited mobility or caregiver duties indicate the need for a smaller space or at least simplifying the living space by reducing clutter.
The whole goal can be accomplished in stages. It can be real progress to work on one area. There may be a guest room or closet where stuff has accumulated. Give particular attention to areas where much time is spent to increase the safety and enjoyment of these spaces. Lay out several items but only a few. Then make one decision at a time. Allow time for mental and emotional processing.
Given adequate time, a good choice will rise to the surface of your mind. It may be taking a picture of it and donating or passing it on to a relative or friend. Or it could find its way to the garage for a future yard sale. A word of caution: once an object has been sorted, resist the urge to rethink it. Just move on to the next thing in line or take a break and then move on.
When seniors go through the process of downsizing, they can find they save money, reduce stress, and update their emotional lives by making needed decisions. Seniors may find themselves with a deadline or a dilemma, and thus efficiency becomes important. However, it is often a process that can take several months or even a year or two to accomplish. Choosing it as an ongoing project rather than waiting for the right time is quite effective. Look around your living space and find a starting point for your process of downsizing. You’ll be glad you did!