Moving as a Senior

My husband and I moved to Baltimore, his hometown, 36 1/2 years ago.  I cried every day for months. I had no friends, two small children, and he was traveling for work. 

 Fast forward 36 years, one son moved from Virginia to Philly, and the other, with my grandchildren, lives in Long Island.  The question posed by my son seemed innocuous enough, "what are you still doing here?  You are 71, and you have no family left in Baltimore.“ 

 And the reality was that we were living with our heads in the sand.  We had a great house and wonderful friends, but our family was far away. How long before we had to make a change?  Living here was manageable, and the thought of moving was daunting and terrifying.  All new doctors ---that is the scariest part.   

 So, we started looking at places between both sons and found some 55 and over communities in central Jersey.  We found a condo that checked the boxes (2 bedrooms with an office) facing the woods.  (We love our birds and wildlife!) Our house sold in 5 minutes (literally), and not four months after we made ourdecision, we moved out of state, away from friends and our comfort zone. 

 My advice: don't wait. All of our stars aligned; it couldn't have gone better.  But the thought of doing it at an older age is overwhelming.  It's hard to downsize from 3400 feet to 1800 (still significant).  I had to get rid of my children's artwork, pictures, grandmother's china, etc.  We all have to do it at some point. 

 Just do it.  As hard as it is, we know we made the right choice.  Change is inevitable; do it while you are in control!  We have been here for nine days, and I am already involved in the health and safety committee, joining the women's and men's clubs (as soon as I can find my checkbook……)  

 And just because I moved, I am still available!!!! Much of my work, starting during Covid, when we were always on Zoom, and still has been remote.  I typically do my initial call via Zoom or FaceTime, and can be present with you at the doctor’s office the same way.  In fact, many health care providers prefer this; it is more cost and time efficient.   

 Will keep you posted, and if you have any questions, or second thoughts, reach out, and we can do it together.