Downsizing. Getting smaller. The connotation is that you are losing something. As Americans, we hear over and over that bigger is better. If someone said, ‘You should downsize,’ what would you think?

But downsizing isn’t a bad thing. It just depends on where you are in your life and what you want to do in the future. A couple years ago, a friend’s wife wanted to move to a ‘55 and older’ community, but my friend was totally against it. ‘Those communities are for old people.’ Not really. By definition, the residents of the community have to be over 55, but come on, there are a lot of us that are over 55 and we aren’t ‘old!’ It turns out that he loves his house and the community. Another friend, who is over 60, recently bought a condo with his girlfriend after they each downsized from their own homes and they couldn’t be happier having their weekends free to do whatever they want.

So how do you know when you should downsize and whether it is right for you?

Here are a few things to think about when:

• Do you NEED the space that you currently have? You may want to ask yourself some of these questions…do you still have children (even adult ones) living with you? Do you entertain regularly where the space you have is needed? Is something tying you to your current home? Can you afford to live there after you retire?
• Are you able to maintain the inside and outside of your home? Not only can you physically maintain it, but do you want to do that work? If not, can you afford to have it maintained by a professional service (landscaper, housekeeper, etc.)? Some people enjoy cutting the grass, working in the garden or keeping their house clean and tidy; they find it therapeutic. Other people want nothing to do with it or they simply cannot physically do it.
• If you no longer had to maintain a property, what would you do with that extra time? Do you have hobbies or other interests? Do you have family or a base of friends you can call on to get together periodically?
• If you weren’t living where you are now, where would you go? Would you live in the same town, the same metropolitan area, or would you move farther away? Would you move closer to family and friends or start somewhere new? There are many options to consider: apartment; condo; townhouse; smaller single family home; 55 and over communities; and more.
• What can you afford? Can you afford to stay where you are now even into retirement? Could you afford to live in your ‘dream’ location when you retire? If not, it’s time to think about plan B or C.

There are many considerations to take into account when you think about downsizing and it is never too early to start thinking about them. Talk to a financial planner, a tax advisor or other trusted professional to help you think through the financial implications. Talk to your spouse, partner or family about the personal and emotional implications of downsizing.

Whether your loved one lives in a big house or a small apartment, they may not be able to stay safely at home by themselves every day. Naperville Senior Center Adult Day Services is designed to give your senior loved one a ‘home away from home.’ Each day our Members spend time socializing, verbalizing, improvising, evangelizing, visualizing, exercising, having fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: to learn more about how NSC can provide a respite for you and a great social environment for your loved one, contact our Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Theresa, at 630.857.3017. You can also schedule a tour to see what they have to offer and understand the Naperville Senior Center experience, “Home Away From Home.”