Many of us can expect to move several times during our life time. We as seniors do not like to be told we need to downsize, or even more devastating is to be told we need to move to a smaller house or condo. With downsizing or moving we may experience many emotions. Some emotions we may need to deal with are also some of the same emotions we must deal with in grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally acceptance.
Speaking about downsizing is very difficult, but doing something about it is even harder. As we get older, many of us struggle to maintain all the possessions and treasures we have acquired throughout our life time.
Health issues or the death of a loved one often lead down the path of downsizing or moving. This journey now comes with even more challenges. Dealing with illness or death is complicated enough and when we mix in downsizing or a moving it becomes even more complicated and more difficult to deal with.
Downsizing or moving is a difficult process and unique to each family. If we are guided by the principles of honesty and respect, we will make it through this journey. People who are aware of their own personal limitations often find it easier to make this decision.
As seniors we may realize our house, yard and garden have become more of a burden than a joy to maintain. So downsizing or moving to a smaller house, condo or retirement villa becomes a viable option.
There is a great difference between our family thinking we should move or we as a senior think it is time to move or downsize. Children often want to be of great assistance to parents and encourage downsizing or moving, but the parents need to be ready for this move. If the parent is not ready for such a move it can cause many hard feelings.
Selling our home or moving is a difficult task even when we actually want to downsize or sell our home. The people who have the easiest time downsizing or moving are those who want to do it. People who have a more difficult time downsizing or selling their home are those who don't want to downsize or move but are being encouraged by family members or friends to take this route.
We may encounter many emotions as we contemplate a moving or downsizing. The first emotions may be denial, anger, bargaining, and sometimes even depression. There will come a time in our journey that we will realize what is best for our situation. When acceptance sets in we will again be happy and will continue to enjoy life.
It would be well for us to be honest with ourselves about our needs and capabilities both now and for our future.
Margaret Anne Yost nursed for 35 years. I completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education at the Regina General Hospital. Returning back to school I completed classes from the Red River College in the areas of Gerontology, Bereavement, Death and Dying.
I was enrolled eight years in lay ministry training, and graduated as a (LPA) Lay Pastoral Assistant. For twelve years I worked in bereavement support at a funeral home.
At present I am employed as an Interim Parish Worker at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Melville Sask. I also enjoy my role as homemaker and full time grandmother.
If you are grieving at this time and you would like to share your story or comment on what you have read, I may be reached at 1-306-728-4744 (evenings).
