Living Longer Means You Should Plan for Aging in Place and Pursuing Your Dreams!
Americans are living longer, and this means we need to consider places to live comfortably and safely later in life. As we know, we have to plan for our financial futures and retirement; planning for housing needs should go “hand-in-hand” with that planning process but is often neglected. As many Baby Boomers have been considered the “sandwich” generation, planning for your comfort and possibly for parents can be critical.
Empty nesters may wish to look more at their personal needs and preferences ahead of time. Will you want to retire and live near adult children, old friends, or valued resources? What activities will you finally spend more time engaged in or what hobbies will you finally pursue?
Indeed, “aging in place” has become an essential consideration for Baby Boomers and seniors who want to live well and stay active. What does aging in place require? Let’s look at three important aspects:
Declutter and Prioritize Possessions
Taking control of your ability to live well as you age in place usually begins with downsizing your possessions. As we age, we typically realize that we don’t need as much “stuff” to live comfortably and happily. In fact, a lifetime of accumulation can bring stress and a feeling of being overwhelmed.
So, take charge! Start small – one drawer or one desktop or one closet at a time. Sort your items and place them into boxes marked “Keep”, “Discard”, “Donate”, and “Gift”. Additionally, the resulting extra space may allow you to focus on new interests/hobbies that enrich your life.
Right-sizing Your Residence
Plan your housing needs based on your vision of future comfortable living and required/desired space. Will you want a workshop, craft room or art studio? Perhaps a music room or entertainment room? As a certified Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I find great satisfaction in helping seniors find just the right size residence for active, home-based retirement living.
Planning Your Living Space for Aging in Place
Whether you stay in your long-time family home or choose to purchase a new house, make sure you plan and modify your space for aging in place. I recommend applying the design principles of universal home design, as I describe in this article. Again, as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist trained in universal home design principles, I can help you make important design and aging-in-place senior living choices.
To learn more about active, home-based retirement living, follow Chris Jones Realty on Facebook, or contact me at 317.442.4797.