Over my 28 years in the real estate business, my senior clients have taught me much about living life. Some lessons exposed warning signs and others provided a direction or path to happiness and prosperity. I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful folks who have shared stories of happiness, and some of sadness. One common thread running through all of my clients is the strong urge to live a life of meaning and to feel needed by others.

I am amazed at the strength that so many possess when confronted with loss; loss of spouse, loss of health, and loss in some cases of needed financial savings. I wonder in so many cases how I would hold up to some pretty challenging pressures. I am convinced that those with these challenges do much better if there are a circle of family and friends giving strength and guidance. It is so important to maintain relationships with those who care about you most. Friends and family are the backbone necessary to getting through those tough times when it seems that your energy is being tapped by adversity. The lesson’don’t go it alone! Get all of the help and backing available. Put pride aside and accept help when offered!

The happiest senior clients I have seemed to be the busiest. They stay connected to life by helping others and staying active. Active can mean travel, volunteering, sports, walking, bike riding, religious involvement and so many other avenues available. I realize that good health is critical to many of these activities, but even compromised health can still offer many avenues for hobbies and giving to others. The lesson here is to stay in the game of life. Stay connected to others. Find ways to share your life stories with those who would love to be your friend. Again, too often I see pride and isolation standing in the way of happiness and fulfillment.

In summary, we all need to feel needed as well as our built in desire to connect with others. Isolation contributes to negative health issues as well as depression. Staying connected to family and friends is essential to a healthy and productive life. Being active through hobbies, sports, and volunteering will add years to your life as well as contribute to happiness and good health. Begin today and start to see the results. Stay in the game of life and you’ll see the positive results that so many of my senior clients enjoy!

Our home in many ways is deeply part of who we are, or is it? My real estate journey has taken me into many homes of seniors who are caught in a dilemma which at times seems too difficult to find a positive solution. The decision to leave a house, or better put, a lifetime of memories and experiences both happy and sad, is a decision that takes a great deal of thought and soul searching. The reasons for moving can be many: the death of a spouse, maintenance issues, health concerns, financial pressures, or the urge to be closer to children and friends. But reasons to move can also be self-directed and well planned. Why not consider a move to enhance and re-inspire your life so that you are enjoying life with freedom and simplicity! The happiest and most secure clients I’ve had are the folks that had taken the time to design their future as opposed to waiting for circumstance to dictate their next move.

Take a few moments to assess where you are right now. Yes, I know you are aware of your (more…)

Last month I told the story of a woman who had lived in her home for 50 years. Her husband had passed away five years previous to my visit. Martha shared her feelings of isolation, fear of her future, and feelings of being overwhelmed with a decision to move. She had become a prisoner in a home that previously afforded her with happiness and joy. Her health had changed to the point where the stairs were an obstacle, she couldn’t drive at night, and she felt afraid being alone.

Martha and I worked on a game plan to find new housing closer to her daughter, and better suited to her current and future needs. She was so reluctant to begin this process of downsizing from a 2500 square foot home to a senior apartment. Martha researched the senior housing market by talking to friends and relatives who had previously moved to a senior apartment or senior community. She narrowed down the location to (more…)

In my 27 years working and serving seniors, I have heard a story time and time again. This is a story of sadness, fear, hope, and happiness. All of these feelings describe the story of Martha. Martha called me a few years ago. She sheepishly asked if I would stop over and discuss the possibility of selling her home. I could sense that Martha was reluctant to call and had gotten up the nerve to dial my number. I set up an appointment for the next day.

She came to the door, and we introduced each other. Martha was a proud, kind woman in her mid seventies. She began her story by sharing the loss of her husband who had passed away five years prior to my visit. ‘My husband handled everything! He took care of the finances, the home maintenance, the every day challenges of home ownership. I loved my home’. Martha had lived in her home for over 50 years, and loved her neighbors, the stores, the restaurants, and most of all (more…)