Page 5 - Charlotte Senior Living Guide

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By Cindy P. Greer

What is it about the word “downsizing” United States Department of Health
that creates a feeling of dread in most of and Human Services, the 65+ popula-
us? Is it all the decisions that need to be tion will almost double from 40 million
made? Is it the memories we attach to to 72 million by 2040, and currently
our possessions? Is it because we can’t 10,000 individuals 65+ are retiring each
physically reach all the areas where our day! This also means that resources and
things are stored? Is it because we just markets to help with this process may
have too much stuff?!? While downsiz- be stretched thin.
ing can be a big project filled with emo- Possession Paralysis – What?!
tion, when approached from a positive
frame of mind and with proper support, In a recent study of seniors 60+ con-
there really is no downside to downsiz- ducted by University of Kansas geron-
ing! tologist, David Ekerdt, 60% responded
that they had more possessions than
Join The Crowd they needed and 75% felt trapped by too
much stuff! People are “paralyzed” to
make a change because of owning too
much stuff!
Whether a person is a shopper, a col-
lector, or has simply lived in the same
home for 30, 40, or even 50 years, there
will likely come a time when they are
faced with the decision to downsize. The
You are not alone if you are consider- need to downsize can be felt by empty
ing downsizing your home. According nesters who prefer to be free of the
to the 2014 statistics provided by the
maintenance of the large family home,
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