I just spoke with my cousin who "downsized" from her very large home 10 years ago, but now wants to do it again. Her husband recently had a stroke and although he recovered and manages to do most things by himself, he does need someone nearby at all times to notice if he "missteps" with his walker (which he doesn't always use)  and falls down. It's frustrating for my cousin, an "active senior" who has much else to do. He doesn't need a care-giver, but he does need to be among people. A senior community seems to be the answer.

She often visits friends living in nearby  "active living"  communities. She is very anxious to join them and has been comparing amenities, costs and services. But she has a special problem many seniors face:

"I would move in a minute but I can't face sorting and packing all our 'stuff'," she moaned. "Even though we downsized once--I seem to have filled up every room, closet and corner of this home, as well as the storage space, garage and basement. I can't imagine sitting down and going through all these things again, throwing some out or making my four kids take some, and then moving somewhere else. It's just too much work."

Well, guess what? Every one of the communities she visited will provide her with a whole list of assistants to do all that. Once her children have taken their treasures, there are professionals available to hold garage and house sales. Others will help sort through her things and decide what she wants to take to her new home. Packers will also get them to the new residence and help her set them up. All also will provide help selling her current home--and suggest "stagers" to arrange furniture to make it more appealing to buyers, then go to the new home and "stage" that in the most attractive and comfortable design.

It's that simple. But she must ask her children to help her get started.  And that's a lesson for all of us.