Thinking of Moving to “Senior Living?”

After more than 38 years of owning a home, my husband and I decided to sell our ranch house and move into an “Over 55” apartment.

 I’m 69.8 and he is 78.7. It was one of the wisest decisions we have ever made.

The stress over house maintenance is finally over. My husband finally beathed a sigh of relief from the anxiety and stress of home ownership.

At first, we were concerned that giving up our nice home, yard, special neighbors, and community would be difficult. Plus, I often host Bible studies in my living room, and we like to invite company to stay with us—especially those from out of town. We knew these would no longer be an option when downsizing to an apartment.

Then my husband’s health issues increased. We knew it was time. Here is my advice and encouragement for those who are pondering this major step.

1. List the pros and cons of when to sell. Talk to a professional agent, not your friends. Certain times of the year, and locations, are better than others. Seniors tend to view their property as worth more than the market price reveals. Interview a few agents before deciding which one is right for you. I wanted someone who knew our community well.
2. Research what’s available to rent in your community. Decide how far you wish to move from your current home. We are only 10 minutes from our previous home. I didn’t need to leave my neighborhood friends, my favorite restaurants, or our church. Some people rent storage space to keep furniture that won’t fit in a smaller space. With our recent move, I considered it. And then I asked myself—why? Why do I need to save this stuff? I gave most of it to an organization that helps single parent moms who are leaving a domestic violence situation. Isn’t that better than paying a monthly fee to have it sit in storage?
3. Do it while you are still healthy. I didn’t realize the importance of this until we did it. My husband and I have made a few major moves during our 40 years of marriage. Most of it was due to his job. Moving is exhausting, even with professional movers. But as we age, it became almost unbearable. The physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion during this last move was excruciating. I was in pain for days afterwards. Doing it when you are older is going to be much harder, even with professionals. Trust me on this one.  
4. Get ready to cry. As I sorted throughall the years of pictures, memories of friends who are no longer with us, notes and cards from people who reached out during hard times, and many people who blessed us—I cried. A lot. As I wept, I realized our younger family members don’t know half of these people. When I’m gone this won’t mean anything to them. So, I saved a box of the most precious ones, mostly the, “thank you for helping me” notes. I need those cards. God still uses the words in them. As I age, a new devil tries to take me down. His haunting whisper attempts to deceive me into believing that I no longer have value. He wants me to sink into a heartbreaking self-loathing that says my life means nothing because I’m no longer young and pretty. He taunts me with lies that chant how my “best” years are behind me. He wants me to “give up” my purpose. Fortunately, I caught on to his deceit years ago, and I remind him that a child of God never retires. He/she possibly changes the method, location or focus, but Jesus always knows my potential because it comes from Him. God’s truth quickly shuts down the fraudster and his lies.
5. Be careful where you get advice. Friends who are the same age might not understand. I have fabulous friends. And I do mean magnificent. However, each person is in their own season. During our time of deciding I invited their insights. A few of them thought we were “too young” to do this move. They were afraid we would feel older if we only lived among other seniors. It’s truly something to consider. But I know my husband. And I knew the house maintenance was emotionally killing him. For us, we needed to do it—now.
6. Friends and family can help, but the majority will be done by you. Only you can decide what serving plate to keep and which 5 you will toss. Only you know if the vacuum cleaner is good enough to save. Only you know how long and why you have hung on to that old purse. Nobody but you can make these decisions.
7. Don’t be offended. The younger generation doesn’t embrace heirlooms as former generations did. My younger self couldn’t afford new furniture, towels, or dishes. It was a blessing to get hand me downs from my aunt or grandmother. It was one less thing to buy. Plus, I grew up in a time when generations lived near each other. Those heirlooms nan gave me carried memories. I still have the dish that hung over her stove. It reminds me of all the pasta served at her table. But we are transient now. Grandma and Grandpa come for holidays. Most of their stuff doesn’t mean much to us anymore. It’s sad. I know. But it’s reality.  We can’t take it personally when our kids don’t want our stuff.
8. It’s a blessing to your family. How wonderful would it be if your kids and grands only had to clean out a small apartment, rather than a four-story home, after you become too fragile or sick to be on your own. I guarantee they will thank you for it.

At this age it wasn’t easy to move. However, my husband and I have not regretted it for one minute. Three months after our move he ended up in the hospital—twice. He’s much better now, but the relief of not having a house to maintain lifted a big burden off my shoulders. 

And during that time, we had a major rain and windstorm in our city which caused a leak in the kitchen ceiling of our apartment.

Not my problem. Call maintenance. Amen.

Copyright 2026, May not be duplicated without permission.

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Laura Petherbridge is an international author and speaker who serves couples and single adults with topics on relationships, stepfamilies, singles, divorce prevention, and divorce recovery. She is the author of When “I Do” Becomes “I Don’t”—Practical Steps for Healing During Separation and Divorce, The Smart Stepmom, co-authored with Ron Deal, and 101 Tips for The Smart Stepmom: Expert Advice From One Stepmom to Another. Her website is www.TheSmartStepmom.com. Watch her most recent broadcast with Family Life Blended.