What is Right-sizing?
Right-sizing means taking a pro-active approach to creating a living space and lifestyle that’s perfect for you, at any stage of life.
To right-size your life means asking yourself what is truly important, then aligning the way you live with those values and needs. From the outside, right-sizing might look like the act of downsizing. But right-sizing is never a sacrifice. Instead, right-sizing asks us to think critically and focus on creating a fulfilling, simplified retirement. Thus, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest.
Right-sizing for Seniors
When downsizing, most people focus on reducing living space or material possessions. For retirees, right-sizing can be a more positive way to make life changes, such as deciding to move into a retirement community that offers you simplicity and convenience.
The beauty of right-sizing or simplifying your life is that it looks different to everyone. Whilst some people find the most happiness from friendships, others place more importance on convenience. Right-sizing is less about the size of your home and more about the value you get from where you live.
So, how do you start?
Focus on what matters most to you
There’s more to senior living choices than the size of your residence. Keep in mind: life satisfaction and satisfaction with the various domains of life are positively correlated. It’s therefore no surprise that, as they reach retirement, many Canadians begin searching for new opportunities to live purposeful and happy lives.
The first step toward those goals is to honestly evaluate these core values:
- Having a strong social network of friends
- Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit
- Having quality health care available if needed
- Having predictable living expenses
- Making your own choices
- Feeling true peace of mind about the future
- Asking your family to become your caregiver
Next, ask yourself,” How would your living situation need to change for you to align your lifestyle with these values?”
How Retirement Living Can Fit into Your Right-sizing Plan
More than anything, retirement communities mean having the freedom to be yourself. They free you from the daily tasks that go hand-in-hand with living in a private residence. All while providing worry-free access to services!
Maintenance: When you move to a senior living community, you never have to worry about house maintenance again. There are dedicated team members committed to keeping your suite and the community looking – and working – its best.
Finances: “All-inclusive” living means that you don’t have to spend extra time or energy on keeping track of multiple bills every month.
First-rate Dining: When it comes to your meals, freedom is everything. Whether you live independently or need added support, you have the freedom to enjoy a delicious meal with friends a beautiful dining room or to cook for yourself. The choice is always yours!
Care & Support: Each All Seniors Care (ASC) community features highly trained and experienced professionals who provide the necessary care and assistance if, and when, you need it. Personalized care plans and our Continuum of Care lifestyle, means that the support you receive changes with your needs.
Wellness Opportunities: We believe that a person’s quality of life can drastically improve by staying active and fully engaged. ASC communities provide daily health and wellness opportunities, lead by expert facilitators. In addition to on-site gyms and pools, it’s easy to join groups such as seated yoga, drumming, walking, and more. There is always something to do!
Be Social on Your Terms: Our senior living communities provide a monthly calendar of events, giving you the time and freedom to select those activities that most appeal to you. The robust schedule means that many residents spend most of their time gathering with friends in common areas, enjoying events, or at community outings. For those who would prefer some quiet time, they can choose to retreat to their private residence, visit the non-denominational chapel, or find a quiet nook in the library.
Thoughtful Design: Suites or apartments – senior living communities feature just the right amount of space! The right-sized suite helps seniors to physically navigate a space more easily, while well-thought-out safety features meet your changing needs. Lifestyle coordinators can help ease the relocation process by providing a detailed floor plan with measurements to help seniors visualize how to decorate their new home. You bring the furniture and possessions that bring you the most joy and satisfaction.
Determining the Option That’s Right for Your On-Going Quality of Life
Genuinely understanding the needs of older adults, is one of the most significant ways retirement communities can help you enjoy a higher quality of life. At All Seniors Care Living Centres, our philosophy is to treat every resident like our own family. Which means that every aspect of our communities are designed with you in mind. From the activities to the dining options to the personalized level of care you receive, we are always striving to improve your experience.
Think of it as an “upsized” lifestyle that offers a myriad of benefits. From on-site live music at College Park and themed happy hours at Beacon Heights to enrichment activities such as art, dance, exercise, games, and much more, we ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Moving into a seniors community is a big change, and there will be lots of questions to answer before helping your loved ones make the move. Explore the many options available at communities across Canada and right-size your home today! You and your family are always welcome to visit any of our residences across Canada, ask questions, and tour the facility.
Writer – Julianna McLeod
Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.