What senior Canadians should know about downsizing

(NC) Have you had the talk? More seniors are at the stage where they’re discussing with family and friends how they might want to update their lifestyles. Downsizing—moving to a smaller living space with fewer possessions—is one option that can take different forms. For some, it may mean transitioning to a condo unit; for others, it may mean joining a retirement community.

Downsizing isn’t a step down. We live in a culture that conditions us to think of bigger as better. But quality of life is measured by how it’s lived, not how much we have. Downsizing simply means taking the opportunity to adjust the scale of your life to better meet your needs. It helps you focus on what’s most important and let that take centre stage, with fewer distractions.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. The logistics of a move, along with a change in lifestyle can feel like a lot for many seniors.

“Many people think downsizing means giving something up, but we often see the opposite,” explains Christine Mackenzie, a senior director at Aspira Retirement Living who helps seniors navigate the transition to retirement living. “Change can open the door to new friendships, improved health and a renewed sense of independence.”

It’s alright—and important—to lean on your support structures when you’re making a major change. Family members can help by organizing some of the logistics, as well as helping you sort through belongings and make decisions about them. If you start thinking about decluttering now, it can lighten the load when you have to make important life decisions. When and if your situation changes, you’ll feel like you have more control.

How to deal with giving up possessions. Letting go of treasured belongings can feel like surrendering a part of yourself. We naturally form emotional connections with certain items, many of which may be associated with important memories. In some cases, an object may feel like all you have left of someone or somewhere important.

• You can let go of something without throwing it away. Giving an item to someone close to you can be a way to share its memories, stories and emotional value with them. It also means that object is being cared for by someone and you can still be near it when you visit them.
• You can try looking at your possessions from the outside in. Start by imagining you don’t own any of your items. Then, for each object, ask yourself if this is something you’d very much want to have. This can help you look at your things more objectively and get a clearer sense of your priorities.
• Sometimes, a picture really can last longer. For some things, the memory or nostalgia of the item are truly what’s important. For objects like these, you can take a photograph of it to preserve the memory. Flipping through a photo album can take you back through the same happy memories without the clutter.

Downsizing can be a way to live life more on your terms, at your scale and while maintaining greater independence. Learn more at aspiralife.ca.