Coping with a move as a senior citizen
There are many reasons why senior citizens move, whether you agree with changing homes or if you have no other choice. Whatever the reason for the move, you are likely to experience a wide range of emotions.
However, if you're getting ready for this situation, there are ways to prepare yourself and make this transition as smooth as possible.
The adaptation period
The changes associated with a move can arouse strong emotions, including anxiety, stress and fear. Whether you're selling your house and moving into a smaller space, such as a condo or apartment, or settling into a seniors' residence, you can expect to go through a period of adjustment.
A new environment is bound to upset your daily routine and schedule. However, the first step in the right direction is to admit and accept the emotions attached to the situation so that you can calmly get to grips with your new home.
The emotional side of moving
As mentioned above, emotional acceptance plays a vital role in your journey towards your new reality, i.e. your move. A few simple actions can help you better manage the situation you find yourself in, for example:
- Being surrounded by people (family, friends, loved ones) you can trust and confide in helps you to come to terms with change and not remain alone.
- Starting from scratch when it comes to furniture, objects and decor in a new home encourages a gradual detachment from your former home.
- Creating new lifestyle habits, whether through activities offered at home or in the neighbourhood, tapping into your passions, or focusing on any other project you’re interested in, leads to a better quality of life.
- Getting to know new people (in your home, community, or nearby businesses) helps you build friendships and a sense of belonging.
The pre-move stage
There are many things you can do before you move to make the transition between your two homes as smooth as possible. You can:
- Find out about all the things that are stressing you out about your new home.
- Don't hesitate to ask for help in preparing for your move, either from family and friends or from resources, such as Visavie, which can help you find a home that meets your needs.
- Sort through your personal belongings to help organize the move and clean up your new home.
- Above all, don't forget to listen, rest and take care of yourself during this hectic stage of your life.
Tips for feeling good at home
A few tips and tricks can help you adapt to your new environment, sometimes more quickly than you'd hoped, including:
- Create a new, comfortable routine for your life by developing comforting habits, such as going to a restaurant you like, walking around the neighbourhood, shopping at friendly merchants, etc.
- Foster beautiful new memories in your new environment by finding opportunities to get together with family, friends or acquaintances; this will help you detach yourself from old memories and acclimatize yourself with your home.
- Personalize your new home with souvenirs from your travels, family photos or treasured objects to make it a place where you feel comfortable.
Of course, dealing with a move as a senior doesn't happen overnight. It requires a period of adjustment where your emotions are likely to be shaken.
With the support of those around you and the right resources, you'll be able to approach the change that a move brings with a little more optimism and resilience. Reach out for help to make this new chapter a pleasant and rewarding one.
Happy moving!
Text written in collaboration with Vie de Grands-Parents.