Surrounded by the Familiar
“Should I stay or should I go?” That’s not only the line from a song, it is a question many seniors ask of themselves. The majority of seniors stay put and live through their senior years at the old homestead. They have their friends near. They know their merchants. They are familiar with every curve in the local roads. They are surrounded by the comfort of their own history.
That does not mean, however, that it is wise for any of us to attempt to steer through this new phase of life using cruise control. They need to look at their surroundings with “new eyes” and assess whatever adjustments may be possible to enhance this next phase of their life. For example -
- Removing clutter
- Decide to spend some time upon a few “New Things to Try”
- Rearranging space for new usage
- Retrofitting the home for safety and ease
- Researching opportunities to reduce expenditures
- Discovering local senior activities and opportunities
Rather than ruminate, it is always better to do something. For example -
- As suggested in Downsizing, identify a place for disposable items and start moving things to it. This “way station” approach allows you time to reassess and reverse your decision if necessary.
- Rearrange the children’s bedrooms for space to accommodate your new activities.
- Consider creating a master bedroom on the main floor if you do not already have that arrangement.
- Secure scatter rugs, install some lever door knobs, add grab bars to the shower, and perform all the other modifications mentioned in Accident Prevention before you have the immediate need for them.
- Investigate local property tax relief or caps that may be available in your area.
- Audit your home for safety and make the necessary changes before they are necessary.
The important thing is to recognize that this is a new time in your life, and it is best to prepare carefully for it. Before health becomes more of an issue, it is smart to retrofit your nest for independent living. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy the changes.