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Nevada Seniors Take the Stress Out of Downsizing!

Reno Gazette-Journal  Sunday, May 5th, 2022

by Eddie Roach

Whether you have lived in the same house most of your life or moved frequently, the process of downsizing for retirement living can be stressful and confusing.

In our youth, moving is simply a matter of lining up a few friends, a pickup truck and trailer, and praying the weather will hold while we load and unload our things over the weekend. Hauling sofas up two flights of stairs, maneuvering appliances through tight doorways, and reorganizing the belongings of a mere 20-something years is fairly straightforward. In fact, friends helping with our move were happy with pizza and beer as remuneration for the time and effort.

Fast forward a few decades, and instead of just moving, we are looking at what it means to downsize.  For many of us downsizing could mean aging in place in our current home and letting go of belongings that no longer serve us so that adult children aren’t unnecessarily burdened should something happen to us.  For others, this could be moving from a two-story home to a single level home of similar size so we no longer have the burden of stairs.  Or perhaps we have a home with a large yard that we no longer have the energy or desire to maintain.

Downsizing for some is choosing simplicity, convenience and social opportunities that come with being part of a senior living community.  The joy of no longer having to cook and instead having wonderful meals provided. No longer having to deal with the repairs and maintenance that go along with owning a home.  And perhaps most importantly, being in an environment that fosters social interaction with others that leads to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

If a move is part of the downsizing plan, this once simple task becomes a monumental chore. Generations worth of belongings have been collected and tucked away in the closets, cupboards, attics, and garages. Memories are everywhere, along with the remnants of a career having spanned some forty-plus years. Even the idea of moving is exhausting.

Would you believe that making the decision to move is actually the most difficult step in the process? With that out of the way, it’s time to start taking steps toward your goal.

“In Part II of the Truth about Downsizing series, we will cover the necessary tasks, resources, and timelines associated with making a successful retirement move,” said Brett Junell, co-moderator of the Retired Living Truth Series, a monthly educational event for northern Nevada senior adults.

“In our April seminar, we examined the reasons it’s so difficult to let go of the things we’ve accumulated over the years,” Junell said. “On May 19, Part II of the series will get into specifics of downsizing.”

At the seminar last month on the topic of the Psychology Behind Letting Go, much of the discussion was around why it can be so challenging to take action when it comes to simplifying our lives in terms of the physical possessions we have accumulated over a life time. Once you are equipped with the tools and strategies to deal with the emotional and psychological decisions of letting go, then comes the challenge of formulating a plan.

Whether you’re looking at downsizing now or later, a plan is critical to reducing stress.

At one end of the spectrum are those who downsize with no plan, which typically results in a daunting, stressful, overwhelming and exhausting experience. In contrast, there are those who follow a proven strategy resulting in a manageable, organized, process providing peace of mind. And of course there are always those DIYers somewhere in between working it out as best they can as they create their own process.

No matter if you are downsizing or rightsizing, retiring into an active lifestyle community, relocating mom and dad or transitioning a loved one into assisted living or memory care, they all have similar elements of an emotional and many times stressful transition into a new stage of life.

“Those who are most successful are those who choose to be proactive and take control by making their own decisions,” Junell said.  “And, like anything else in life, most people would prefer to follow a proven step-by-step process.”

Joe Parks knows from experience.

“Downsizing is a living hell during which we pay dearly in confusion, consternation, sleeplessness, tiredness, and aching muscles,” Parks said. “Having a proven system to follow has been most helpful.”

Joe and his wife have downsized twice.

Another believer in having a plan to follow and help executing it is Jim Dunseath.

“By following the downsize system, we moved from our 2,500 square foot home to an 1,100 square foot apartment,” Dunseath said. “It wasn’t easy, but the system gave us focus and made our plans a reality.”

It’s about more than the basic questions: How many of my belongings can I take to my new home given everything won’t fit? How do I go about deciding what to take to a smaller space? What are the steps involved to make the move smooth?

The reality is that whether or not you choose to do it, everybody downsizes. Don’t wait for the ultimate downsize into the “pine box.” We all know, “You can’t take it with you.”

Make a plan. The question is whether you’ll have a plan that works. The proven Downsizing Made Easy Method breaks the process down into steps that guide you along the path from “making a plan” to “Relax. Reflect. Recover.”

Robert Culberston, 89, followed the plan and was happy he did, “Following a downsizing process made my life so much easier,” Culbertson said. “My team did all sorts of things that I suppose I could’ve done, but it would have been an awful ordeal for me to have done it.  My downsizing team basically took a humongous burden off my back, and I more than appreciate that.”

For those interested in learning more about the process of simplifying or downsizing after retirement, the upcoming May 19 seminar “The Truth about The Downsizing Made Easy Method”, Part II in the Downsizing series, will explore the necessary tasks, resources, and timelines associated with making a successful retirement move.

The free seminar, “The Truth about The Downsizing Made Easy Method” seminar will be held on Thursday, May 19 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).

The seminar is free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.

Seat reservations can be made online
at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.

Filed Under: Media, Senior Living

The Truth about The Psychology Behind Letting Go

The house is too big. The yard has become unmanageable. Closets are filled to the brim. We haven’t been in the attic for decades.

Despite all the signs that it’s time to simplify, many people struggle with letting go.

Whether it’s saying “goodbye” to a home of many years or parting with the treasures inside, certain challenges are commonplace when it comes to downsizing, rightsizing, or relocating.

In Part 1 of The Truth about Downsizing series we take a deep dive into the human psyche and discuss what makes it so difficult to let go.

Handouts:

    • Psychology Behind Letting Go HANDOUT [PDF]

Speakers:

  • Annette Junell, Master’s in Psychology, Downsizing Coach & Realtor, Junell Moves Made Easy & Junell Realty Group, (775) 432-6300 (affiliated with Keller Williams)

Seminar/Webinar Recording:

Filed Under: Retired Living Truth Series, Video

Why Do Nevada Seniors Have too Much?

Reno Gazette-Journal  Sunday, April 3rd, 2022

The house is too big. The yard has become unmanageable. Closets are filled to the brim. You haven’t been in the attic for decades.

Despite all the signs that it’s time to simplify, many people struggle with letting go.

Whether it’s saying “goodbye” to a home of many years or parting with the treasures inside, certain challenges are commonplace when it comes to downsizing, rightsizing, or relocating.

“In our April 14 seminar, we will take a deep dive into the human psyche and discuss what makes it so difficult to let go,” said Brett Junell, co-moderator of the Retired Living Truth Series. “On May 19, Part II of the downsizing series will cover the necessary tasks, resources, and timelines associated with making a successful retirement move.”

But first, why is it so difficult to let go of your “stuff”?

The most commonly used word to describe the downsizing process is “overwhelming.” In fact, many people find themselves paralyzed by even the idea of moving to a smaller or more manageable space. Often the stuff is harder to part with than the house itself.

Everyone tends to accumulate a lot of personal treasures over time. It’s just part of living a long and memorable life. Downsizing often requires letting go of some of these treasures. It also means coming to terms with what are really treasures and what is just “stuff.”

This can often feel like the most overwhelming part of an otherwise positive decision to move.

Psychologists understand that it’s hard because it means that you need to free yourself from some aspects of your past. Things that have become a part of yourself – of what makes you who you are today.

But, does that have to be the case? Are there ways to approach the prospect of downsizing and letting go of belongings or the family home that can ease this sense of loss?

Here are some questions which the seminar will pose to help attendees understand the psychology of downsizing:

  • What do material possessions mean to me?
  • What do they represent in my life?
  • Why are some things so hard to give up?
  • Why do some people have more trouble letting go than others?

The psychology of things may be put into these five broad categories:

– Emotional/Sentimental: I love my furniture even though it’s too big for my house, and I have a strong attachment to the bookcase full of books I’ve never read.

– Utilitarian/Practical: I might need that someday so I need to keep it. It’s like that bucket of bolts in the garage.

– Financial/Investment: I think it’s valuable though I’ve never had it appraised, like the china my mother got from her mother.

– Identity/Image: My style is Hawaiian and all my furnishings reflect that image. Doesn’t everyone love Hawaiian décor?

– Estate/Legacy: I have a shed full of expensive tools I’m sure my grandson would love to have when he grows up, but I’ve never asked him.

Psychologists point out that for many aging adults letting go is connected to the loss of control many feel as they age. Not letting go is a way to seek control.

Author David Solie, an expert in geriatric psychology,  points out that planning is a key to maintaining control. He highlights these “Phase of Life Tasks” as critical to seniors working through issues like downsizing:

– Maintaining control in a world where all control is being lost.

– Leaving a legacy in a world where time is running short.

With each downsizing into a smaller space, we’re saying goodbye to a part of the life we created. We’re reducing the number of decisions which must be made. We’re limiting the amount of effort required for nonessential tasks due to our physical/cognitive abilities. We’re simplifying our lives. We’re facing our mortality.

But like they say, “You can’t take it with you.”

We’re all going to downsize, whether we move or not. Downsizing over time is the answer. Start sooner, not later. Avoid the grief and hassle of dealing with all of this when you don’t have another choice.

If you lost your house and everything in a fire, would you survive? Of course, you would. You would grieve, but it would not be the end of your existence. Don’t wait for a “fire.” Come to the seminar and learn some tools for getting your mind ready to let go.

Attend the April 14 seminar to learn more about the psychology of letting go.

You may also wish to plan to attend the May 19 seminar, the second part in the downsizing series.

The “Truth about The Downsizing Easy Method” seminar will be held on Thursday, April 14 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).

The seminar is free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.

Seat reservations can be made online
at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.

Filed Under: Media, Senior Living

The Truth about Avoiding Dementia

Understandably, there is a lot of uncertainty and fear around the prospect of us or a loved one developing memory problems and what this will mean.

One of the most common questions tends to be, does aging mean at some point we are destined to lose our memory?

The goal of this month’s seminar is to debunk many of the longstanding myths associated with age related changes, and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Some of the many questions the expert panelists address include:

  • how you might be able to avoid, reduce or delay dementia
  • warning signs and what to do
  • dementia-like symptoms that may be reversible
  • dementia and the effects on moving/transition
  • how to help yourself or a loved one with dementia
  • resources available in our community

Handouts:

    • Avoiding Dementia HANDOUT [PDF]
    • Dementia Friendly Nevada Statewide Meeting – April 11, 2022 

Speakers:

  • Nancy Schier Anzelmo, BS, MS; Gerontologist, Alzheimer’s Care Associates LLC
  • Jennifer Carson, Ph.D.; Director of Dementia Engagement, Education & Research Program, University of Nevada, Reno
  • Denise Hund, LSW; Family Care Associate, Alzheimer’s Association
  • Cathy Maupin, M Ed.; Community Educator and Advocate Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Association

Seminar/Webinar Recording:

Filed Under: Retired Living Truth Series, Video

Is Alzheimer’s or Dementia Avoidable or Reversible?

Reno Gazette-Journal  Sunday, February 28th, 2022

Dementia effects many families. A common myth about dementia is that it is a natural part of aging, but it’s not.
According to the National Institute on Aging, “Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills. It is not a normal part of aging.”

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that about 40 percent of people over the age of 65 experience some memory loss on occasion. This is referred to as “age-associated memory impairment.” However, Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are considered brain diseases which can cause significant memory loss.

So, what are some of the other myths about dementia? To help answer this question for more senior adults wishing to attend, the organizers of the monthly Retired Living Truth Seminar Series have invited experts in aging and dementia to address the stigma, common myths and answer attendee questions about dementia.

The hosts of the Retired Living Truth Series, Annette and Brett Junell, Downsizing Coaches and Realtors with Keller Williams Group One, said this topic came about as a growing number of retirees they help with downsizing moves have a spouse or family member dealing with the unique challenges of dementia.

A number of years ago the Junells worked with a couple who were looking to downsize from their two-story family home of 30 years into a smaller, more manageable single level townhome.

“I recall how heart breaking it was working with Dennis and Sandra,” Brett Junell said. “The reason they needed to move was that Sandra’s dementia was progressing, and Dennis didn’t feel she was safe in their current home. We could see the pain in Dennis’ eyes as he conveyed the difficulties of caring for his wife as the primary caregiver.”

Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage, when it is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the most severe stage, when the person must depend completely on others for basic activities of daily living.

“Some clients haven’t truly realized that their spouse has signs of early dementia or in other cases what resources and support are available to help a family member who is a caregiver, often a spouse.” Annette Junell said.

“This is such an important topic”, said Nancy Schier Anzelmo, an active participant in the Alzheimer’s Association and consultant to Clearwater at Rancharrah, Reno’s newest community providing Memory Support and Assisted Living. “We understand the challenges that memory diseases can cause for both the individual who is coping with the disease and their family,” said Anzelmo who will be a panelist at the March 9 seminar.

Joe Bower, a regular seminar attendee since 2017, said he was particularly interested in this topic as his mother had dementia while he was a young man. At the time, Bower didn’t know that the symptoms he recalls her exhibiting were Alzheimer’s until after she had passed away. “This just wasn’t something that was talked about back then.” he said. When asked why he keeps coming to the seminars, Bower said “I’m always learning something new and getting information that I hadn’t gotten elsewhere due to the wide range of quality experts the Junell’s bring in to speak.”

Expert panel to answer questions
“As we age, many of us become concerned about if and how we or a loved one may be affected by dementia,” Brett Junell said. “During this 90-minute seminar, our panel of experts will dispel some of the dementia myths and provide us with the TRUTH about dementia and what each of us needs to know as we age.”
Expert panelists with a wealth of knowledge and experience include:

– Dr. Jennifer Carson, Ph.D, Director, Dementia Engagement, Education and Research Program, University of Nevada, Reno; Dr. Carson has 30 years of practical experience in the fields of long-term care and aging services. She is a gerontologist who works to envision and develop opportunities to improve the inclusion and well-being of older adults, with a particular interest in persons living with dementia.

– Nancy Schier Anzelmo, BS, MS, Alzheimer’s Care Associates LLC. Nancy is a professional gerontologist, a professor at Sacramento State University, and has been involved for over 30 years in the field of senior housing and long-term care. Nancy has been instrumental in assisting Senior Housing providers in the creation and implementation of memory support communities for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

– Denise Hund, Alzheimer’s Association. Denise Hund has been a Family Care Associate with the Alzheimer’s Association for almost 7 years and is a licensed social worker. Denise has worked with families and people living with dementia in Northern Nevada for more than 30 years. She oversees education and volunteer programs in Northern Nevada and helps caregivers navigate the Alzheimer’s journey.

– Cathy Maupin. Cathy is a retired educator and former caregiver who has volunteered with the Alzheimer’s Association for many years. Cathy cared for her mother with Alzheimer’s for almost 25 years and facilitates a caregiver support group for the adult children of people living with dementia. She is also a congressional ambassador and community educator. In 2021, Cathy was recognized by Governor Sisolak with the Points of Light Award as Nevada’s outstanding volunteer.

Some of the topics that will be covered include:

– How you might be able to avoid, reduce or delay dementia.
– Warning signs and what to do.
– Dementia-like symptoms that may be reversible.
– Dementia and the effects on moving/transition.
– How to help yourself or a loved one with dementia
– Local resources & support

The “Truth about Avoiding Dementia” seminar will be held on Wednesday, March 9 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the RSAR Building at 5650 Riggins Court, Reno (near Meadowood Mall).

The seminar is free for seniors and their guests. Pre-registration is required because seating is limited.

Seat reservations can be made online at www.RetiredLivingTruthSeries.com or by calling (775) 432-6398.

Filed Under: Media, Senior Living

The Truth about the Latest Scams

In a world where we find ourselves more connected by technology, and as information is increasingly more easily accessible to scammers, we are all far more susceptible to scams than ever before.

While the Truth Series has addressed the topic of scams in the past, we continue to hear from seminar attendees and clients alike who have been victims of both the latest scams as well as some of the older scams that have become even more believable.

At this seminar, the panel of local experts updated us on the current scams and more importantly helped us determine what is legitimate, what is likely a scam, and how to avoid becoming a victim of the latest scams.

Handout:

    • Latest Scams HANDOUT [PDF]

Speakers:

  • Whitney Digesti, Senior Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Nevada Attorney General
  • Tim Johnston, Vice President of Outreach, Better Business Bureau
  • Vince Marko, Fraud Detective, Reno Police Department
  • Michelle Newman, Senior Deputy Attorney General, Office of the Nevada Attorney General

Seminar/Webinar Recording:

Filed Under: Retired Living Truth Series, Video

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  1. The Truth about Best Solutions for Liquidating the Extra Stuff

    June 23 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am
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    July 21 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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