Seniors Sell Large Homes and Gain New Lifestyles
Aging Parents Keep Memories & Transition to Manageable Living
Aug 23, 2009
Adult children who have moved away from home can help aging parents maintain fulfilling lives. Families grow and belongings multiply. The need for for space eventually leads to a larger home. But as adult children leave the nest, parents moving toward retirement may find it difficult to manage so much space and property. Mom and Dad may balk at the idea of selling the house, claiming there are too many memories tied up in the place to even think about selling.
Maintaining a Large Home and Property Increases Health Issues for Aging Parents
In most cases it won't be easy trying to convince elderly parents that giving up a familiar home and routine lifestyle are in their best interest. Expect resistance, and try to remember that pointing out things that aren't getting done around the old place is only going to have a negative effect on the elderly adults. So how can adult children broach the topic of elderly parents finding manageable place to live?
- Encourage the concept of freedom. Mention new activities like golf, Yoga, reading, baking, social activities, volunteering, and travel. Tap an untried interest that's been mentioned in previous conversations, or target an old interest that's been put off for years.
- Present ideas for living arrangements within the parent's or couple's financial budget. Possibilities may include a nice apartment, senior living community, or even purchasing a smaller home. Dwell on the positives – planting a vegetable or flower garden, having half as much housework to do, or the close vicinity to a mall, community center, or park.
- Mention the mental health benefits. In a submission to Coastal Christian Family magazine, author Malissa Hubert emphasizes in the article, "Successful Senior Living: Less Can Be More" (August 2009), "Eliminating external clutter and downsizing our living space creates a sense of peace and order leaving room and time for a personally enriching life experience."
- Insist no memories will be forgotten. Photos, scrapbooks, keepsakes, and other sentimental memorabilia are reminders that can easily travel from one dwelling to another.
- Break down the task of moving so that it's not so daunting. Younger family members can pitch in and help with the move. The more organized the plan, the less resistance (and problems) there will be. As for all those stored belongings, perhaps treasured items can be divided among younger family members, and less meaningful items can go to charity or a thrift store.
- Discuss the physical health benefits. Maintaining a large yard takes a lot of energy. The task may be too much work for aging parents, not to mention upkeep of tools and machinery. Keeping the home in good safe condition may be too much to manage for people that may not be as agile as they used to be.
Contacting an Estate Planner and Attention to Elderly Parent Legal Matters
Moving into a smaller, more manageable home or apartment may be a good time to contact an estate sales planner. According to Hubert, in reference to the article mentioned earlier, "These professionals are knowledgeable about how and who to sell everything to from large antiques to small trinkets."
Legal matters may also need to be addressed when elderly parents sell home and property. Updating a will and attention to any other property matters should be given attention as needed to avoid unnecessary problems later on. Don't forget insurance and financial matters, too.
Exciting changes come when all the kids move away from home and aging parents move into retirement years. Selling a large home and property is an emotional decision, but memories and keepsakes can easily move from the old home to the new location. Adult children can tactfully suggest a transition to manageable living space without creating too much resistance from the elderly parent(s). Encouraging ideas, well-thought plans, and suggestions for a new exciting lifestyle, are just three ways children can assist parents.
The idea of lightening the load and reducing some of the burden as parents grow old leaves time and freedom for more pleasurable activities. Aging parents may have another thirty or forty years to enjoy activities long forgotten or put off because of family and home obligations. Selling the family home is a huge undertaking, but family members can share the work. Health improvements that come with manageable living for the elderly are worth working through all the cumbersome details.
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