In the mid 1800’s, British designer and poet William Morris said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Over 150 years later, these words are still applicable, especially to those looking to downsize. Downsizing consultants estimate that 80% of what we own, we never use.

Anyone can make a decision to downsize but most often we think of someone downsizing after retirement, either to a smaller home or condo, or to a retirement community. As we age, our needs, abilities, and health can change, sometimes very quickly. Maintaining a home and yard is sometimes a physical and financial burden. Safety can be a concern depending on the size of the home and the surrounding neighborhood. Other reasons people may downsize include not wanting to be a future burden to family and friends, a desire for social interaction, an inability to drive, and overall health and wellness needs.

Whatever your reason for downsizing, it is a task that can be daunting. To some, downsizing is not simply sorting through a house full of “stuff”. Downsizing means sorting through your treasures, your essentials, and often an entire lifetime of memories. Over time, we develop emotional connections to things, especially if they were passed down to us from loved ones. Our possessions and our memories can become intertwined. Maybe you feel as though giving away your grandmother’s china is going to lead to losing those precious memories of your grandmother. According to Nan Hayes, founder of moveseniors.com, “People tend to cling to their possessions to avoid dealing with other issues like stress or fear.” During a time of transition to a smaller home, a condo or a senior living community, stress levels can be high. This can make sorting items even more difficult.

Linda Hetzer and Janet Hulstrand, the authors of “Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home”, theorize there are two kinds of people when it comes to downsizing. There are the “throwers” who tend to work quickly and enjoy clearing out spaces and un-cluttering rooms. Then there are “keepers” who tend to linger on each item and really struggle to decide what to do with each item. They may even put off the process because it is too emotional for them. While the “keepers” may delay and slow down the process, the “throwers” may miss valuables and even money tucked away in pockets of clothing or in between pages of books. It can be beneficial to find both a “thrower” and a “keeper” to help in the downsizing process.

Downsizing may be a difficult decision but it is almost always beneficial in the long term. Focus on yourself and your needs and values. If you have a favorite chair that makes you feel safe and cozy, be sure to take that wherever you go. If you have a hobby you are passionate about, be sure to set aside even a small amount of space for that passion. Look at your trinkets and treasures from years gone by and decide which will fit into your new lifestyle. If you have to leave them behind, take photos to help you remember the story behind each item. According to Hetzer and Hulstrand, “Successful downsizing is coming to the realization that the most valuable thing in the house is the life that has been lived there.”

As humans, we learn to walk very early on, and most of us walk at least a little bit every day. It seems so simple, does not cost anything and does not take much effort. So, how can something as simple as walking keep us healthy, encourage creativity, improve our outlook on life, and even help us live longer, more independent lives?

We have all been warned of the risk factors for developing heart disease: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking, among others. As we age, our risk of developing heart disease also increases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. One of every four deaths results from heart disease; that’s about 600,000 deaths per year. For years, studies have shown that people who exercise daily are able to reduce their blood pressure, waistlines and cholesterol, thus reducing their risk of developing heart disease. In a recent Australian study, researchers discovered that those who rarely exercise are twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who walk often and six times more likely than those who exercised vigorously every day. Even a half hour of walking each day can reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

If a healthy heart is not enough incentive for you to take a walk, how about a healthy brain? In multiple studies, researchers have seen both animals and humans perform better in memory and decision-making tests after exercising. Moderate exercise, like walking, has even been linked to creativity. At Stanford University, study participants were given a series of tasks that involved creative thinking. For example, a participant may have been asked to come up with an alternate use for a common object, like a button or a cup. The participants were then asked to take the same test while walking on a treadmill. The responses were far more creative when participants were walking. Even more interesting is that very little change was seen between indoor walks on the treadmill and outdoor, more scenic walks. It seems that it is simply the walking that spurs creativity, not where the walking takes place.

In addition to enhancing creativity, memory, and decision-making skills, walking also helps improve mood. Particularly in senior citizens, walking can help develop feelings of self-worth, sense of purpose, and may greatly reduce the likelihood of clinical depression. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and walking can impact both in a positive way.

As we age, our goal should be to remain independent and active as long as possible. Doctors will often tell patients, “Use it or lose it.” For people over age 65, walking can provide real health benefits for maintaining mobility and independence. Once we become sedentary, we lose muscle mass and aerobic capacity. In essence, if we stop moving, we eventually begin to lose our ability to move around as easily as we once did. For those at risk of osteoporosis or arthritis, even a little bit of walking will also help stimulate and strengthen bones and maintain our joints.

Walking comes easily to most people. Here are five reasons to go for a walk today!

1. Healthier Heart – Greatly reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
2. Healthy Mind – Improve your decision making ability, memory and even creative thinking.
3. Strong Bones and Muscles – Weight bearing activity can stimulate bones and maintain joints. It can also keep muscles toned.
4. Healthy Outlook on Life – Improve your mood and reduce your likelihood of clinical depression.
5. Remain Independent – Use it; don’t lose it! Maintain mobility, muscle mass, and aerobic capacity to help you live an active and independent lifestyle.

The good news is, it’s never too late to start. So start today. One foot in front of the other and you will soon walk your way into a happier, healthier life.

On November 21st at 10:00am, Proctor Place residents and staff will help a very special resident celebrate a very big birthday.  Lillian Florey will turn 105 years old on Friday. She will celebrate by enjoying cake with her family and friends in the Café at Proctor Place.  Lillian has was born on November 21st, 1909 and has been a resident of Proctor Place since March of 2000.