“Stuff.” We all have it; probably more than we need; especially if we’re living in a singe-family home or large apartment but our children are now adults and living elsewhere.
If that’s the case, it may be time to think about how to make life a bit easier and more streamlined instead of tripping over all that “stuff” that’s taking up an unoccupied bedroom.
Well ponder no more, as CARP Richmond-Delta is hosting a free seminar on down-sizing for aging baby boomers at Minoru Place Seniors Centre Thursday at 1 p.m.
“It’s the sequence of life where you get to the point where the kids leave and you have to downsize things and simplify things,” said Victor Pauls, chair of CARP Richmond, a volunteer organization that promotes healthy and active aging.
The seminar — billed as ‘Don’t let your stuff keep you from moving’ — will see presentations from a real estate agent, a personal organizer and a senior residence consultant.
Pauls said the target audience is anyone who is either considering moving out of their home for a smaller place or anyone who wants to de-clutter their home.
The ultimate goal is to promote a more active lifestyle, free of the material objects that are no longer needed.
“I think it will be a meaningful thing for a lot of people,” said Pauls.
The retired dentist also noted planning for retirement is much different than it was 20-plus years ago. He said housing affordability in Metro Vancouver is a major consideration for those thinking about downsizing.
He also said many people may be like him, in so much that they still have children and grandchildren to entertain but require help in clearing away a few things, instead of moving out altogether.
“I know my kids have said to us, ‘Hey mom and dad you gotta clean up your house,’” quipped Pauls, a 77 year-old with four adult children and nine grandchildren.
One guest speaker will be real estate agent Sabrina Shaw, who sees a trend developing amongst aging people in the city.
“There’s a bulk of people who are beginning to think, ‘maybe we want to do more and have less,’” said Shaw.
She said people often make the mistake of wanting to find a place that fits the dining room set, however, she and others are there to assist people in considering finding a new set that fits their actual needs.
“Younger generations don’t want the dining room table or the tea sets. …And we see people holding on to things for sentimental reasons,” said Shaw.
Shaw said people who have lost a spouse or those who are in a second marriage are often in need of organizational help before selling their home.
“When people get to midlife — and they’ve amassed a lot of stuff and those things have served them well — they come to a point where they need to do away with (the stuff),” noted Shaw.
Also speaking at the event will be Susan Borax, a professional organizer, and Geoff Cowman, a senior residence consultant.
Among many things, Cowman will be able to speak specifically to moving into care homes for older seniors, said Pauls.
A second seminar takes place Sep. 18 at McKee Seniors Centre in Ladner at 7 p.m.
CARP is developing a number of other upcoming seminars on issues related to active aging. See www.carp.ca and search for the Richmond chapter for more information.
