On behalf of council and staff at the City of Merritt, I’m delighted to present the latest Golden Years magazine – Merritt’s guide to senior living. This annual resource provides a comprehensive overview of local seniors-oriented activities and resources for residents, visitors, and newcomers.
With a sizeable senior’s population, the city is committed to enhancing the lives of this important demographic. With the counsel of volunteers on the city’s Age-Friendly and Accessibility Advisory Committee, council works towards improving the lives of our present and future senior citizens. Guiding documents like our Official Community Plan, Strategic Plan, and AgeFriendly Action Plan outline strategies for accessibility, inclusiveness, housing, transportation, health, and social participation, among others.
As mayor, I am personally committed to working to improve the lives of each and every citizen, from working on initiatives to improve healthcare to helping support the enhancement of infrastructure, development, and resources that foster community-wide engagement across the generations.
I encourage every citizen to visit the City’s website at merritt.ca for news, resources, and to download our Recreation Guide. The City of Merritt, within the beautiful Nicola Valley, offers great amenities like the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, Merritt Civic Centre, Nicola Valley Memorial Arena, plus countless other community amenities and activities, from golf to major regional events. With a central location, affordable housing, and a friendly, supportive community, the City of Merritt is an exceptional place to live, work, play, and retire. Welcome all!
Mayor Mike Goetz
Supporting Seniors
Our local seniors have contributed so much to our community and province, and it’s important that they are supported with the right resources and services to keep them active, social and healthy.
As our population ages, the needs of our community grow. This is why I continue to advocate for more housing, including assisted living and long-term care; timely access to high-quality health care services; improved access to home care supports and specialized services to promote independent living; and a variety of social and recreation opportunities. We want our seniors to be able to age in place in Merritt, close to loved ones and comfortable in the community they’ve been a part of for years.
Merritt, like other communities in B.C., has been particularly challenged by climate events and natural disasters in the past few years. These disruptions have added stress and trauma to our lives, and it’s never been more important for us to stick together during these difficult times.
My office is always available to anyone seeking assistance with a problem or challenge in their lives. My staff and I can point you towards the right people and resources that can hopefully bring you the resolution you are seeking. Please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling toll-free at 1-877-378-4802, or by emailing Jackie. Tegart.MLA@leg.bc.ca.
Thank you to our valued seniors for being a special part of our great community — and to the many local organizations who support them in their golden years.
Sincerely, Jackie Tegart, MLA
Editorial:
Marius Auer, Laísa Condé
Sales: Roger White and Theresa Arnold
Production: Theresa Arnold and Darla Gray
Photo credits: Marius Auer, Laísa Condé
THE MERRITT TRANSIT SYSTEM OPERATES TWO BUSES:
Bus 1: a fixed transit bus service
Bus 2: a shared transit on request, curb to curb bus service to and from destinations in the Merritt area.
*All customers are eligible to use the on request, curb to curb bus service.
Bus 1: Operates Monday through Saturday, between 6:15 am and 11:00 pm.
Bus 1 departs for Route 4, Lower Nicola, four times a day, departs Civic Plaza, 7:12, 11:12, 5:12, 10:27.
There is no bus service to Route 3, Diamond Vale and Route 2, Collettville, at these times.
Operates on Statutory Holidays.
Bus 1: Operates Sunday between 8:15 am and 6:11 pm. Includes hourly runs to Diamond Vale and Collettville. There are no Route 4, Lower Nicola bus runs on Sunday. Operates on Statutory Holidays.
Bus 1: Customers can transfer to Route 4, Lower Nicola. Monday through Friday, two times a day, Bus 1 meets with Bus 2 departing for Route 4, Lower Nicola.
Bus 2 departs Civic Plaza, 8:12 and 2:12
Bus 2: Shared Transit Bus Service:
Operates Monday through Friday and departs four times a day to Route 1, North End and two times a day to Route 4, Lower Nicola. Operates Statutory Holidays, not falling on a weekend.
Bus 2: Route 1, North end.
Bus 2 departs from Mamette at Voght, sheltered bus stop near Subway & Yaki Joe’s and arrives back downtown at the Civic Plaza a half hour later.
Departs Mamette at Voght: 9:15, 10:15, 1:15 and 3:15
Arrives Civic Plaza: 9:41, 10:41, 1:41 and 3:41
Bus 2: Route 4, Lower Nicola.
Bus 2 departs from the Civic Plaza bus stop, Mamette at Voght and arrives back downtown a half hour later. Near Subway & Yaki Joe’s Departs Civic Plaza: 8:12, 2:12
Arrives Mamette at Voght: 8:45, 2:45
Bus 2: Customers can transfer to Route 1, North end, Monday through Friday, two times a day. Bus 2 meets with Bus 1 departing for Route 1, North end. Bus 1 departs Mamette at Voght near Subway & Yaki Joe’s
Bus 2: On request, Curb to Curb Bus Service, operates an on request, curb to curb bus service, 4 times a day, Monday to Friday, with four, half hour bus pick up trips.
Departs Civic Plaza: 8:45, 9:45, 12:45 and 2:45 Operates on BC Statutory Holidays, not falling on a weekend.
*SHARED TRANSIT ON REQUEST, CURB TO CURB BUS SERVICE TO AND FROM DESTINATIONS IN THE MERRITT AREA.
• On request service is limited to two, wheelchair/scooters per trip. Priority is given to the first to call and people with mobile challenges.
• This is not a Handy Dart service. If you need assistance from another person to board or exit the bus, please have an attendant with you to assist. Attendants ride free.
• Bus pick up: Book 24 hours ahead. Bookings received less than 24 hours ahead will be subject to availability - Call 250-378-4080.
• Please be patient waiting for the bus. Other folks may have booked the curb to curb bus service.
• Drop off: Confirm with the driver when you board.
• Examples of locations: A house, hospital, medical centre, school, or employment site.
Agroup of locals is rallying to bring attention to the sport of pickleball, with the Merritt Pickleball Club even having a permanent home on Merritt Avenue.
Pickleball is a racket sport in which two or four players hit a hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 34-inch-high net, until one side is unable to return the ball or breaks the rules. Often compared to tennis, the sport is lower impact for those with varying levels of abilities.
“Anyone that plays tennis, badminton, or any type of racket sport, you’re going to love pickleball,” said Stephen Holbrook, a director with the Merritt Pickleball Club. “It’s the fastest growing sport in North America right now. It’s not just for seniors, but it is a little easier because you don’t have to do as much running, but you still get a big sweat.”
Players serve diagonally, with a goal of clearing the net and landing the ball within the opposite court. Both teams must let the ball bounce once before
volleying, and there is a no-volley zone near the net where players are not allowed to hit the ball. Pickleball games are usually played to 11 points, with a twopoint lead needed to win.
Holbrook noted that pickleball makes it much easier to rally, with high-octane games achievable by people with all levels of physical fitness. The smaller court creates a more intimate and fast paced environment for play. The Merritt Pickleball Club invites locals of all ages, including families, to join in on the fun.
“It’s very user friendly, you don’t have to get lessons to go in and learn how to play,” said Holbrook. “If you want to get to an advanced level, some lessons are good, but you can get away with just having a good time with your family.”
The Merritt Pickleball Club’s courts, located at the former Lawn Bowling Club on Merritt Avenue, were completed just two years ago. Keys to the courts are available to members, in addition to scheduled weekly play times. Holbrook called the courts the
Pickleball is a sport accessible to a wide range of people and abilities according to the Merritt Pickleball Club.
Marius Auer/Herald
seniors and families
“best in B.C.”
Games are currently held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, with evening games taking place Tuesday and Thursday. Holbrook also looks to start up a Saturday morning game time, pending interest from the community.
While a game of pickleball is usually being played while members are at the courts, the Merritt Pickleball Club also hosts a myriad of other social events.
“We have training days and barbecues, so there’s a lot of social things that we do,” noted Holbrook. “If you are looking for some new friends and a little bit of exercise, this is the club for it. You don’t have to have any competitive bone in your body, everyone is very friendly and we’ll teach you the rules, it’s fairly easy.”
Holbrook added that anyone looking for some laughs, exercise, and to meet lots of good people of all ages should join in on the pickleball action. Those looking to try out the sport can contact Holbrook at 778-709-0363 to set up a discovery game.
Reliable transportation a vital component to
Reliable transportation a vital component to
Access to reliable transportation both inside and outside the community is a vital part of ensuring seniors stay connected.
BC Transit and the Merritt Transit System have local seniors covered, offering a plethora of transportation services, even from door to door. The transit system’s ‘curb bus’ runs on weekdays, four times a day, and brings passengers from door to door for just $2. Those utilizing the service could be picked up from their home and brought grocery shopping, or to a doctor’s appointment, for example.
For those that need to leave city limits for medical appointments, the Health Connections bus service offers weekly trips from Merritt to Kamloops and Kelowna. The bus departs from the Merritt Library, and costs just $5. The bus heads to Kamloops via Logan Lake on Tuesday, and to Kelowna on Thursday.
Trips must be booked online two days ahead of time, and pending space, reasons other than medical appointments may be accepted to take the bus.
“Health Connections provides communities with accessible transportation options to non-emergency
The Health Connections program is operated by First Canada ULC, and is one of the many offerings of the Merritt Transit System. Photo/Herald File
medical appointments,” reads the BC Transit website. “Although medical appointments have priority, everyone is eligible to use this service if space is available.”
For day to day transportation utilizing the Merritt Transit System’s three routes, a provincial program is available to reduce the cost of bus fare. The BC Bus Pass program provides low-income seniors and persons receiving disability assistance a universal bus pass for unlimited access on any scheduled BC Transit bus, including in Merritt.
Both low-income seniors and those receiving disability assistance are eligible for the BC Bus Pass. For more information on the BC Buss Pass and curb bus programs, visit www.bctransit.ca.
The Merritt Transit System’s office can be reached at 250-378-4080.
Health Canada approves respiratory syncytial virus vaccine for seniors
The federal government has approved a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for those 60 and older in an effort to curb adverse long-term effects the virus can cause in seniors.
Health Canada recently announced the approval of GSK’s Arexvy, which could prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. For most people, RSV causes cold-like symptoms, but for older adults and adults with certain health conditions, the virus can lead to more serious infection and complications including pneumonia, hospitalization and death.
“With the approval of Arexvy, we are excited to be able to offer an option to help protect the nearly 10 million Canadians aged 60 and older who are at risk of RSV disease,” said Marni Freeman, GSK’s country medical director, in a press release by the company.
“We’re hopeful that with a vaccine now available for older Canadians, the virus’ burden on our healthcare system will also be dramatically improved.”
GSK said its vaccine showed strong numbers during a clinic trial, including 82.6 percent for prevention of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV in older adults, and 94.6 percent efficacy in those with underlying medical conditions. The company noted the vaccine was generally well tolerated during the trials, with an “acceptable safety profile.” The most frequently observed solicited adverse events were typically mild to moderate and transient injection site pain, fatigue, myalgia, and headache.
RSV season in Canada typically spans from October until May, with cases peaking in the winter months. Seniors and older adults are more at risk during this time due to a natural decline in immune function with age. GSK said underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart and lung disease can be exacerbated by RSV.
Henry Roberts, an executive committee member for COPD Canada, said that RSV’s impacts on those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic diseases can be severe, even if they are taking sufficient steps to manage their illness.
“Until now, RSV was one of the major respiratory infectious diseases with no vaccine or specific treatment available for older adults,” said Roberts. “Having the opportunity to receive a vaccine that can prevent RSV infection for older Canadians, including those who are at higher risk of severe outcomes, is a welcome advancement and is a major step forward from a public health perspective.”
For more information on the vaccine, visit www. canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunizationvaccines.
Arexvy, a new RSV vaccine by GSK, has been approved in Canada for use in adults over 60. Photo/Pixabay
New provincial funding will benefit two B.C. nonprofits working to reduce and prevent abuse against elders and adults.
The BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) and the Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA) have received more than $4.5 million in provincial dollars to “raise awareness and co-ordinated community responses to prevent abuse and neglect.”
“We know that the most effective way to make positive change happen in community is to bring the community leaders, service providers and volunteers together, and have them identify the issues and come up with their own unique solutions,” said Sherry Baker, executive director of BC CRN.
The BC CRN received $4.2 million in the form of a provincial grant to support Community Response Networks (CRNs) throughout B.C. for the next three years. There are 86 CRNs in more than 256 communities across the province, including the Kamloops Community Response Network that serves the Kamloops and Merritt areas. The networks bring seniors and community representatives together to coordinate a community response to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults.
The networks also spread awareness of elder abuse
through a variety of local learning events, newsletters, informational workshops, a website, projects, conferences, and referrals.
through a variety of local learning events, newsletters, informational workshops, a website, projects, conferences, and referrals.
Baker noted that with the funding support from the provincial government, BC CRN mentors can support the development of a coordinated community response to the abuse, neglect and self-neglect of B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens. Her organization’s ultimate goal is to build safe communities together where adults are valued, respected and free from abuse and neglect.
Baker noted that with the funding support from the provincial government, BC CRN mentors can support the development of a coordinated community response to the abuse, neglect and self-neglect of B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens. Her organization’s ultimate goal is to build safe communities together where adults are valued, respected and free from abuse and neglect.
“Seniors are vital to our society and it’s important that we treat them with the care and respect they deserve,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Health. “Seniors often face isolation, which makes them more vulnerable to abuse.”
“Seniors are vital to our society and it’s important that we treat them with the care and respect they deserve,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Health. “Seniors often face isolation, which makes them more vulnerable to abuse.”
CREA received $300,000 in grant funding to “foster collaboration and coordination” while advancing the prevention of elder abuse. The organization will use the funding to share information and raise public awareness on topics such as abuse recognition, prevention, and response. The money will also support professional development and capacity-building throughout B.C.
CREA received $300,000 in grant funding to “foster collaboration and coordination” while advancing the prevention of elder abuse. The organization will use the funding to share information and raise public awareness on topics such as abuse recognition, prevention, and response. The money will also support professional development and capacity-building throughout B.C.
“Responding to elder abuse begins with preventing it,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care.
“Responding to elder abuse begins with preventing it,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care.
“It’s our responsibility to ensure seniors are protected now and in the future. Our partnership with the BC CRN will support awareness programs so that people in B.C. can better identify the signs of abuse and neglect, and prevent it altogether, to ensure seniors’ safety.”
“It’s our responsibility to ensure seniors are protected now and in the future. Our partnership with the BC CRN will support awareness programs so that people in B.C. can better identify the signs of abuse and neglect, and prevent it altogether, to ensure seniors’ safety.”
For more information on CRNs, visit www.bccrns. ca. To learn more about CREA, visit www.reduceelderabusebc.ca.
For more information on CRNs, visit www.bccrns. ca. To learn more about CREA, visit www.reduceelderabusebc.ca.
The province said in a press release that B.C. seniors will be better protected from multiple types of abuse thanks to new funding provided by them to the BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) and the Council to Reduce Elder Abuse (CREA). Photo/Sabine
Local Indigenous communities explore essence of elders
Local Indigenous communities explore essence of elders
In a heartwarming display of unity and cultural preservation and appreciation, Indigenous people from multiple local Indian Bands gathered in Merritt to celebrate their elders.
The three-day event organized by Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) gathered elders from all five Indian bands near Merritt. Elders from Lower Nicola Indian Band, Upper Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Coldwater Indian Band were present at the event that celebrated them and their knowledge.
During the celebration, a diverse range of workshops and discussions were conducted by the Indigenous agency. The event demonstrated the power of coming together as a community to honour heritage, celebrate diversity, and build bridges across generations.
One of the discussions the Indigenous communities had was ‘What is an elder?’, which highlighted the importance of that member in an Indigenous community. During this discussion, participants were immersed in the teaching of the elders, gaining insight into ancient traditions, such as Indigenous names, that have been passed down through generations.
Lepika Saddleman, language and culture team
The ‘What is an Elder’ discussion was held at the first Elder’s Gathering hosted in Merritt. During the discussion, many Indigenous elders were able to share their knowledge and stories.
The ‘What is an Elder’ discussion was held at the first Elder’s Gathering hosted in Merritt. During the discussion, many Indigenous elders were able to share their knowledge and stories.
Photo/Laísa Condé
Photo/Laísa Condé
lead at SCFSS, said “an elder is a member from the Indigenous community that acts as the caregiver and keeper of their traditions and culture.
Saddleman opened a discussion with the elders so they could share their stories and their knowledge to those who were present. One of the elders shared how name giving works in the Upper Nicola Indian Band, which she said she gave her granddaughter her Indigenous name.
After almost an hour of sharing knowledge in an inspiring conversation, Robin Peterson, community engagement and communications coordinator at SCFSS, said hosting an event like this, especially living in such technological age, is super important.
“Having this type of opportunity for everybody to gather together, it lifts up their spirit and helps everybody feel close again,” she said.
Peterson also said that this event is an opportunity for the Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society to ask the experts on what they can improve.
“We asked them to give us their feedback and inform us what they’d like to see so we can work to make those things happen,” she said.
She also said it is the first time an elders’ gathering
was hosted in Merritt, at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
“We really wanted this to be an opportunity to have our elders get together that weren’t able to travel down to Vancouver for (their elders’ gathering),” Peterson said.
As the event came close to the end, Peterson said she hopes that the youth understand the importance of being connected to their elders.
“We want to start being able to share those stories forward with them (the youth) and they can kind of continue on with those teachings,” she said. “We’ve kind of become disconnected from each other. So really just wanting to reinstitute that connection with each other and realize how important it is to become one people again.” Allproduceisgrowncollectivelyandshared amongstthevolunteersandfoodsupport organizationswithinthecommunity.
Merritt and District Hospice Society provides emotional care to the community
Merritt and District Hospice Society provides emotional care to the community
The Merritt and District Hospice Society has been lending a helping hand and a listening ear to Merritt residents since its inception in 1986.
While the term “hospice” generally refers to either a service that aims to improve the quality of life of terminally ill patients, or an actual building for caring for those who are dying, the definition of hospice is changing, according to Merritt and District Hospice Society Chair Jill Sanford.
“The concept has actually expanded a bit to include anyone who has a serious illness, which is one that there is no cure for, but they may not be actively dying. They may have breathing issues such as COPD, or kidney issues, or any life-limiting illness,” Sanford previously told the Herald.
Now that the society has settled in their new permanent home at the Nicola Valley Hospital, they are again reminding residents of the supports they offer.
The services and resources offered to those with such life-limiting or terminal illnesses are expansive and wide in variety. From casual conversation, companionship through letter-writing, and bedside sitting, to respite for caregivers and a library of resources for those struggling with grief, care is focused on the emotional rather than physical needs of the client.
A plethora of physical resources are available in the society’s lending library, including books and pamphlets on bereavement and advanced care planning. The society offers resources geared towards both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Along with these physical supports, the society also focuses on community education and awareness through
Photo caption: The Merritt and District Hospice Society held the grand opening of its new space at the Nicola Valley Hospital on April 29, 2023. Photo/Merritt Hospice
public talks on hospice issues, and community tables at community events.
“We don’t actually do the physical care, we’re just there, and that’s an amazing thing,” noted Sanford. “That’s a big part of what we do. We support them through companionship. Home health nurses are excellent, and so are the support workers under their direction, but they can’t be there all the time.”
Sanford also noted that the mission of the hospice is often misunderstood.
“Some people think that we are pushing medical assistance in dying. We are not. Some of our clients may choose that option, and no matter if we approve or don’t, that’s their choice and we support any choice they make.”
Society volunteers receive 20-25 hours of training, sign a client confidentiality agreement, and pass a criminal record check. Volunteers are double vaccinated, and maintain COVID safety protocols. Volunteers are among the many community stakeholders that work together with the society, including regular donations of quilts from the Nicola Valley Quilters Guild.
The Merritt and District Hospice Society is located at 3451 Voght St., in the basement of the Nicola Valley Hospital, across from the elevator. The public must enter through the hospital’s main doors. The society can also be reached by phone at 250-280-1701.
We’ve all heard the old adage, “you’re only as old as you feel”. While that may bode true in some instances, research indicates many seniors in Canada are not getting the adequate amount of exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Government of Canada recommends that seniors, particularly those over the age of 65, need at least 2.5 hours of exercise every week to live a long and more productive life.
But where do you start?
Alyssa Theodore, owner / operator of Persistence Training Centre in Merritt, recently told CallingallADULTS&SENIORS, weneedtoexercisenowmorethanever! Exercisereducesstress,improvessleep,andstrengthensimmunity. Itcanalsohelpimprovebrainfunctionandmemory.
stay healthy
the Merritt Herald that the best way to get started is to put one foot-in-front of the other.
“I know it’s easy for me to say but just a simple ten minute walk every day when you are starting out, really makes a difference,” said Theodore. “Just keep the body moving and you will see a huge difference within a short time frame.”
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Theodore has helped many seniors over the past few years go on to living a healthier, happy life.
“Recently I was approached by a lady who said she was 73, and she asked if it was too late for her to start an exercise routine,” Theodore added. “I told her absolutely not, in fact I encourage it.”
She noted that before you begin an exercise regimen you should always consult a physician and play
within your pain levels.
“As we get older, we experience different levels of pain, injuries and even osteoarthritis so know your pain thresholds,” she warned. “Listen to your body. It really is the best judge of what you can endure. I certainly recommend easing into any workout program until your body builds endurance.”
Since taking ownership of Persistence Training Centre over a year ago, Theodore has made it a priority to develop services and programs with seniors in mind.
Theodore noted that seniors looking to establish exercise routines have a number of options, from lowimpact stretches to more intense workouts.
An emergency preparedness workshop was held this week, aiming to better prepare elders in Indigenous communities to face unforeseen situations.
Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society (SCFSS) hosted the workshop in a collaborative effort between all five Indian Bands – Upper Nicola Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Coldwater Indian Band – located near Merritt to enhance the safety and resilience of elderly community members.
The workshop, which took place on August 16 during their ‘Elder’s Gathering’ event at Nicola Valley
Institute of Technology (NVIT), aimed to equip seniors with essential knowledge and skills to navigate emergencies confidently and effectively.
At the event, it was highlighted by Juanita Quewezance, emergency support services coordinator at SCFSS, the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of seniors, a vulnerable population that is often disproportionately affected by emergencies, such as wildfires and floods.
“With what we are facing today, we need to be ready,” she said.
The participants in the workshop were actively engaged in discussions about how to ask for assistance, planning for disasters and communication strategies in order to confidently address unforeseen situations.
Quewezance also emphasized the importance of getting enough medication supplies during an evacuation and some of the alternatives elders can make sure they don’t run out on the medication they need.
“If you were to evacuate and you didn’t have any medication, what you can do is go to your nearest drugstore and let them know you have been evacuated,” she said. “Let them know where you live and they can do an emergency supply.”
empowers
Other subjects related to emergency preparedness and plans that Quewezance highlighted were making sure the emergency contacts are aware in case the elders don’t have a way to be reached out over the phone.
The workshop for elders showcased SCFSS and all five First Nations dedication to ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of its elderly population. By equipping seniors with practical skills and a sense of community, the event stands as an important step towards security and inclusiveness for all residents.
Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn’t end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs.
• Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners’ decisions to downsize their homes as much as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsizing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premiums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save seniors money.
• Space: Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize without adversely affecting their daily lives.
• Market: The real estate market is another fac-
tor to consider when deciding if the time is right to downsize. A seller’s market can help seniors get the biggest return on their real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrocketed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won’t be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers’ favor.
Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise due diligence to determine if downsizing is right for them.
