People tend to think of downsize as a reaction to the loss of a loved one, financial strain, sickness or an inability to care for oneself. But what about seniors who choose to downsize? Are there people looking forward to downsizing? In short, yes!

Before packing up and moving into a smaller home, you have to be emotionally ready for it. Downsizing can mean parting ways with items you have held on to for decades. It may seem overwhelming at first, but the truth is downsizing can actually be helpful to many seniors.

Sometimes people over 55 are experiencing empty nest syndrome may feel lonely in a larger home. Safety may also be a factor. One might feel uneasy sleeping all alone in a big house at night or they may be afraid when they come home late all by themselves to an empty home. Downsizing can be a positive change for many seniors.

Nayri Mamaganian can attest to that. She is a strong woman who is nearing retirement and is still very active and social. She still works and loves to travel. She is a widow of over 10 years. She downsized from her Laval home which she shared with her husband and children. After her husband’s passing it did take her four years to leave their home. When she was ready to sell, she had no regrets and did not look back. One of her thoughts was about her safety. She no longer felt safe in her home. She also did her research. “I did a lot of research before selling my home and I must have seen 40 condos,” Mamaganian says. “I finally narrowed it down to three choices. I knew my criteria and I wanted to stick to it. I wanted a condo unit facing the water, a safe condo with not too many tenants and a condo that was in a central location.”

Mamaganian also offers some advice to those considering downsizing. “Write a list of things that are important to you. Consider the choices that you would be happy with. I knew the choices that I would be happy with. I also knew my deal breakers. You have to do your homework.”

The condo community is also a great place to make friends. For individuals who are 55 and up, working less, entertaining more and travelling, a condo can be the perfect choice. Mamaganian chose a unit that would allow her to entertain regularly. She also says living in a condo is a great way to make friends. “Eventually, you start to talk to people in the building and then you start to build friendships,” she explains. “As you get older, you may also get more tired. When your friends are in the building, you can see them more often without worrying about driving at night in the bad weather or about taking your car out.”

There are also lifestyle condos and 55 plus residences for seniors with reduced mobility or healthcare needs. No matter what living arrangement you choose, downsizing can be the first step towards a happy retirement.