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The problem with downsizing is that in some places the cost of selling a home is so high that you'll never recover the savings of moving into a smaller home. Furthermore, I don't think it costs too much more to run a larger home than a smaller one. Condos/townhomes in my area are as pricey as some much larger single family homes.
My home is fairly modest, so downsizing probably won't save me anything. The only compelling reason I can find to move is to find a home with a 1st floor master suite. While climbing up stairs is currently not an issue, I can see how my 2 story home could be problematic to navigate in the future.
I know of many people who sold their home because it had too many stairs. One or both spouses could no longer navigate the stairs without difficulty. They knew it was only going to get worse as they got older.
I have lived in rural areas, small towns, big and middle sized cities. My area is 400k and perfect for me. Sorry Chris but the last thing I want to do is live in a house even as you describe it. My condo was very well built in 1978 so don’t hear much.
I love that the building is secure and the hallway is inside. If someone was in the hallway trying to break in one of my neighbors would hear it. Although not a senior complex many seniors buy in here for safety reasons and it’s so close to everything so not a problem when you quit driving. Plus it’s a close drive to everything.
I know of many people who sold their home because it had too many stairs. One or both spouses could no longer navigate the stairs without difficulty. They knew it was only going to get worse as they got older.
Yeah that's part of why we built a single story. It does have a finished basement, but that becomes optional when stairs become too much.
We’re a household that doesn’t do a good job of fighting inertia-I mean we’ve stayed in Florida far longer than any sane person would given circumstances and all- I’m pretty strongly lobbying for the next home out west to be a ranch-style home with a finished basement- as we age, everything essential is on the main floor and we only venture dow into the cave when there’s a good reason.
Single-living seniors still in their own home need a social outlet and someone to keep them on their radar in case they should have an accident or become incapacitated. That is usually a relative or neighbor. They don't need a busybody or a caregiver if they are healthy and independent. I keep an eye on my neighbor, a ninety-year-old four-time cancer survivor who still manages her own affairs. She has family nearby that visit. We each live on an acre of land in the desert. I live alone in my mid 70s and have a circle of close friends I see once or twice a week. I downsized 1000 sq. ft. to this house almost ten years ago and it is perfect for one person -- and on one level. I tell friends that if they don't see me posted on social media for a couple days to come and bang on my door.
A friend lived alone and suffered a stroke. His brother tried to contact him and finally went to the (rented) house but did not have a key and there was no response. The landlord would not agree to open the door. After three days he got the police to make a wellness visit and they got in and found the stricken brother on the floor. His response was "what took you so long?" It had a happy ending but there should be a plan for that kind of situation. I have two solitary elder relatives who died at home and were not found for several days. It is not uncommon.
A friend lived alone and suffered a stroke. His brother tried to contact him and finally went to the (rented) house but did not have a key and there was no response. The landlord would not agree to open the door. After three days he got the police to make a wellness visit and they got in and found the stricken brother on the floor. His response was "what took you so long?" It had a happy ending but there should be a plan for that kind of situation. I have two solitary elder relatives who died at home and were not found for several days. It is not uncommon.
That’s one area where the new generations of smart watches should really help- they have the ability to detect falls and alert 911 and don’t have the stigma that the ‘I’ve fallen and can’t get up’ medic alert pendants do. And they can be set up at time of purchase to have the all detection turned on.
You do have to remember to charge them regularly but a lot of that is just developing a habit for that- put it on the charger while the user is watching Wheel of Fortune every night and you should be good.
Single-living seniors still in their own home need a social outlet and someone to keep them on their radar in case they should have an accident or become incapacitated. That is usually a relative or neighbor. They don't need a busybody or a caregiver if they are healthy and independent. I keep an eye on my neighbor, a ninety-year-old four-time cancer survivor who still manages her own affairs. She has family nearby that visit. We each live on an acre of land in the desert. I live alone in my mid 70s and have a circle of close friends I see once or twice a week. I downsized 1000 sq. ft. to this house almost ten years ago and it is perfect for one person -- and on one level. I tell friends that if they don't see me posted on social media for a couple days to come and bang on my door.
A friend lived alone and suffered a stroke. His brother tried to contact him and finally went to the (rented) house but did not have a key and there was no response. The landlord would not agree to open the door. After three days he got the police to make a wellness visit and they got in and found the stricken brother on the floor. His response was "what took you so long?" It had a happy ending but there should be a plan for that kind of situation. I have two solitary elder relatives who died at home and were not found for several days. It is not uncommon.
This was happening all the time in the 55+ community I was living on. Out of the 13 that died in the yr I lived there, 5 were dead and rescue n cops had to break in. I always left a key and told some folks where, and now it’s a coded lock which some know the number. I also I’m on my iPhone share my location with my son, least when traveling can see where I’m at.
My son moved this week, and the house is about 1900 sq ft. Cookie cutter. So much wasted space that could have been added in the bedrooms and closets. Waste of electric with aC or heat. Like the 5 bed 3 den 3 bath house - 2 parking spaces. Like kids never grow up and drive. Having “big” is killing us.
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