Senior to Senior: Comforts of Home

The pandemic has changed the way we think about our homes. Yes, seniors too. Who would have thought, a year ago, that we would be spending so much time in one place? For years the places that we called home were little more than launching pads; a place to sleep, eat, and store stuff. Even in retirement, the amount of time spent indoors was just a drop in the bucket. Now, all of a sudden, we have been instructed to go home and stay there. Whoa, that’s a lot of time in one place, and frankly it isn’t as easy as imagined. Chaos rules. The place that used to be just a stopgap now serves as a home office, a school, a mini health clinic, a restaurant, a gym, a studio and an entertainment center. Few people have the money to move, renovate, or recreate a functional living space. Unless you have always lived in a mansion, or always worked at home, you now face quite an adjustment. The worst part is that you are all grown up now; living like a college student just won’t do. You need a plan, and a good bit of ingenuity, to turn four walls into a cozy nest. Small changes to your home can boost your mood, energy, and overall well-being. • Rearranging your furniture and adding touches of color. • Declutter. Nothing is more distracting that “stuff” piled all over. • Designate different spaces for work, leisure, and exercise. While it may be convenient to do all of your work in one messy room, it seldom works well. Aim to: • Stay positive and upbeat • Surround yourself with things that you love • Think light and airy • Bring the outdoors inside; botanicals are beneficial in so many ways Now more than ever we all need a place to restore our balance, and to come to terms with the fact that Covid19 has changed the way we live, possibly forever. Make your home as functional and as restful as you can. You may find that you like it.