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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-
tion, when approached from a positive Possession Paralysis – What?!
frame of mind and with proper support,
there really is no downside to downsiz- In a recent study of seniors 60+ con-
ing! ducted by University of Kansas geron-
Join The Crowd tologist, David Ekerdt, 60% responded
that they had more possessions than
You are not alone if you are consider- they needed and 75% felt trapped by too
ing downsizing your home. According much stuff! People are “paralyzed” to
to the 2014 statistics provided by the 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
need to downsize can be felt by empty
nesters who prefer to be free of the
maintenance of the large family home,
