As we age, the decision to know when it is time to downsize inevitably arises. The second part of that question for those that have a progressive illness, such as Alzheimer’s, is whether to hire home health services or to move into an assisted living situation. There’s no question that this is an extremely difficult decision to make and to undergo these challenging aging adjustments.
Fortunately, there is a whole industry out there that revolves around the aging population. Today, with their ever-changing needs, the seniors include those from the Silent Generation: Born 1925-1945, and the Baby Boomers: Born 1946-1964.
From home health to moving companies and from financial to social, the market most definitely recognizes the unique and growing needs of the aging population. For example, professional movers might include specialized senior services such as:
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Do-it-yourself packing and supplies
- Labeling, inventory, and loading
- Transportation services
- Unloading
- Assembly/disassembly
- Crating and containers
- Storage-in-transit/long-term storage
Whereas financial companies may offer seniors programs such as:
- Financial planning
- Retirement and estate planning
- Consolidation services
- Tax planning
- Investment portfolio management
Every senior has unique needs that well-trained professionals from these industries can only answer. Ultimately, the decision to downsize rests in the hands of the seniors and their families, but there is now more access to the resources available to help ask the right questions and make the right decisions.
What are the 5 factors affecting an aging population?
Several factors contribute to aging, such as the following:
- Biological
- Lifestyle
- Social
- Psychological
- Spiritual
- Cognitive
These factors may not only lead to aging but also to several diseases within the aging process.
As people age, their needs and lifestyle change due to these natural effects and may include reduced physical and mental capability leading to needing more assistance for some everyday activities.
Additionally, in a physical aspect, seniors may struggle with steadiness, balance, and coordination, while mentally, they may experience short-term memory loss. Therefore, they must be in a safe environment where they can receive the necessary help.
Changes in the healthcare system also have an impact on seniors. The rising cost of healthcare can create a financial burden, and when specific health concerns arise, these costs may increase. In addition, long-term care can be expensive, which is why many seniors move into assisted living facilities or hire home health services.
Financial situations and retirement planning are also significant aspects to remember when caring for an aging population. Many of the seniors may choose to work in retirement, either to supplement their income or to remain active. However, this can come with its own unique challenges, such as required age discrimination and wage and hour rights. Each state may have various restrictions, so checking in with a financial advisor or exploring legal insight is essential.
Perhaps one of the most obvious but less discussed topics regarding the aging population is the care of the caregiver. Caring for an aging family member can be a full-time job that can be emotionally draining. Employing services, such as in-home healthcare and assisted living, can help ease the stress and mental health of the caregiver. Additionally, talking to other family members or acquaintances who have gone through similar situations can provide peace of mind.
Average age of downsizing
As people age into their fifties and sixties, many are ready to downsize. Often their children are grown, out of school, and having families of their own. Which often means purchasing a townhome or condo to trim maintenance or a smaller one-story home to keep stair climbing to a minimum.
Smaller space to maintain is more accessible as we age. Fifty-one percent of retirees downsize to rid themselves of the worries of maintaining a large house and for a sense of financial freedom. However, moving to a new home is not the only way to scale back.
Downsizing doesn’t always mean changing where you live. It’s important to consider creative ways to scale back as we age that doesn’t involve selling your home.
One popular option is switching from a full-mow lawn to using ornamental grasses and native ground covers that don’t require nearly as much maintenance. Other plants, like shrubs, can be planted in the ground or as trees that require less mowing and prevent weed growth. Also, consider increasing outdoor living space with patios and other sitting areas that don’t require mowing or mulching.
Consider renting out an extra bedroom or two if your home is large. You’ll get the added income and the bonus of having extra company around. It’s also important to consider home security and improvements that will make life easier. For example, installing a camera system and automated lights will make many feel more secure while making it easier to keep an eye on your home when you’re away.
When downsizing, looking for ways to make your interior space feel more open is also important. Many times downsizing can be emotionally taxing as you part with things you’ve grown to love. Start slowly by setting aside things that are replaceable or not as sentimental. This can help to open up space and make living there more enjoyable. Choose furniture that is multi-functional and declutter areas that are prone to clutter.
By downsizing, you control how you age and relieve some of the burdens of maintaining a home. When downsizing, you want to choose the best situation that works best for you, whether staying where you are and downsizing, developing a rental situation, or moving and downsizing in the same act.
Taking an approach that scales back without sacrificing your health is imperative. Downsizing lets you ensure your home is a stress-free space that fits your lifestyle. It can reduce effort and create a safe environment for you and your family.
How do you know when it is time to downsize?
In conclusion, caring for an aging population entails a myriad of topics. It is crucial to consider the physical, mental, financial, and legal aspects of providing a safe and comfortable environment.
Downsizing is essential to consider as we age, whether it’s downsizing our possessions, changing where we live, or taking on a rental agreement. Getting creative and doing proper research will allow seniors to make the best decisions for their lifestyle, maintain health, and provide peace of mind.