This past year has seen a consistent pattern of household downsizing in developed countries such as Canada, the USA, the UK and Australia. However, I expect this trend to increase and accelerate in 2019 for three important reasons.
Continue reading “Looking Back – Looking Ahead on Downsizing”
All of the prior posts in the series “Retire – Downsize – …” have been about the positive lifestyle one can anticipate in retirement. Activities covered so far include golf, reflect/solitude, teach, learn, volunteer, play music, work, paint/draw, go South, read and travel. Although most downsizing projects are very busy and intense, they come off smoothly with a few bumps along the way. However, the downsizing process can also be risky. Here’s why.
Avid golfers who are close to retiring usually look forward to more golfing on the next chapter of their life. Some ensure there is more “time on the green” by downsizing to a golf community with like-minded retirees. For Canadians, there are at least three variations of this approach that allow for maximum time on the course despite Canadian winters.
Squeezing many tasks into a tight schedule at retirement can carry over into the post-retirement period. It is not unusual to spend a great a deal of time and energy after a downsizing move to get set up in the next location. Taking a tourist vacation in the middle of this may be a change of scene but it is not always a change of pace. This might be the time to insert a complete break from activity along with some peaceful solitude. Here’s why.
Having a purposeful activity in place at retirement is one of the best ways of ensuring a long and satisfying life. As comedian George Burns used to say – “I’ll show up as long as I’m booked.” George lived to age 100. Of all the activities available to us when retiring, teaching is one of the most stimulating and useful. The possibilities are endless and the opportunities to help others is wide. If this applies to you or a family member, here are some suggestions on where to start.
Downsizing Help 