The Australian Government’s Australian Institute of Family Studies states one in four Australian households is a lone-person household.
Women who live alone are, on average, substantially older than men in the same situation. In 2011, 39% of women who lived alone were aged over 70, compared to just 19% of men. Conversely, just 26% of women who lived alone were under the age of 50, while among men who lived alone, 45% were younger than 50.
In 2016, 58% of Australians aged 65 plus lived with a spouse or partner in private dwellings, and this decreases with age to 35% for those 85 plus.
What are the tell-tale signs to downsize?
- An empty nest;
- Home maintenance feels more of a chore;
- Parts of the home are rarely used;
- You’re delaying holidays or hobbies because of home responsibilities;
- Safety or accessibility is starting to cross your mind; and
- Rising costs (rates, insurance, utilities) feel disproportionate to how you live.
Autumn is a wonderful time of year to look at downsizing if you or loved ones have made such a suggestion. It is a great time to move around and look at various operations. Perhaps a sea-change is on the agenda. As this newsletter, shows coastal living is very available.
Reflect on what you want your everyday life to look like. Think about your health, energy levels and daily routines, as well as how you enjoy spending your time. Will your new home support your lifestyle, interests and access to the services you use most? These reflections often lead to exploring environments that support independence, such as retirement living communities and land lease communities.
The appeal of these communities are many. The added reassurance of having more support and connection close by; being part of a vibrant community that is no longer at home; having the privacy when needed; and being with like-minded communities.