“We don’t deny our age. We deny the cultural scripts about what it means to be an older person.” That’s Mary Pipher, clinical psychologist and best-selling author of Reviving Ophelia, Another Country and her newest book, Women Rowing North: Navigating Life’s Currents and Flourishing As We Age.
Homesharing is increasingly popular among aging adults looking for some help around the house as well as extra income. Many seniors find that this new way of living also includes a wonderful new friendship. But first you may be wondering how to prepare your house for homesharing—where to start, how to really make space for another person, etc.
Matt Paxton is one of the country’s top extreme cleaning experts—you might know his name if you were a fan of the popular A&E TV show Hoarders.
Matt is especially passionate about helping older adults declutter and downsize. His expertise and deep compassion stem from the year Matt lost his father, stepfather and both grandfathers. Matt was called upon to help his mother with their possessions. As Matt says, “We had four houses to deal with! I had to figure it out, and I’m still doing it 18 years later.”
As a guest on Silvernest’s Share Your Story podcast, Matt offered a huge insight that transformed how we think about decluttering and downsizing.
Empty nest syndrome is not a vague, theoretical issue—it’s a real problem impacting millions. According to the Mayo Clinic, grown-up kids’ transition out of the home can lead to their parents feeling sadness, loss and disconnection.
On the other hand, this major life transition also represents opportunity to rediscover old hobbies, find new interests and make new connections. An active lifestyle is important at all stages of life, but even more critical if you’re an empty nester. It creates a foundation of mental and physical health that allows you to stay independent and in your home for years to come.
The majority of us have put a stake in the ground for anyone who cares to listen. We are going to age in our own homes. We will exercise our freedom to choose to age on our terms and in our own way. The term “Age in Place” shows up everywhere but no one tells us exactly what that means, how we can do this vibrantly, and how this choice affects our health as we move from our 50s to our 60s and our 70s.
The following is an excerpt from a series called "Rethinking Aging" from speaker, writer, and aging specialist, Sue Ronnenkamp. Sue recently facilitated our Community Kickoff Event in Westminster and Arvada, CO, and used this as a handout for the attendees.
Homesharing has been around for years and has inspired some of America’s most beloved TV and movie characters. Here are a few of our favorite housemates from over the years. Who are your favorites?
Have you ever caught up with a friend after years of being apart, but everything falls into place and it’s as though no time had passed between you? Nothing feels better than the love and understanding of an old friend. The nature of our friendships is really interesting because we often prioritize them after our romantic partners, parents and children. We tend to them when we have the time. We have times of year—holidays and celebrations—that bring family together in an organized way. But the time we spend with our friends is completely voluntary.
As the year is nearing a close, now is a great time to take stock of your business and your financial and emotional investment.
When I was a kid, Thanksgiving was a family holiday. I remember heading to my grandmother’s house in central Pennsylvania and walking into a room full of aunts, uncles and cousins. Not only was the old farm house brimming with people, it overflowed with farm-fresh dishes loaded with whole milk and butter.
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