BY Michael Longsdon of ElderFreedom.net

Many seniors think of downsizing as something they can always do later in life, but downsizing takes time. In order to do it well means you should be methodical and thoughtful about each decision. But once you turn your new, smaller house into a home, you become unburdened by a house that was too much responsibility, and find more joy and peace in your golden years.

Thinking of downsizing but unsure where to start? Here are four simple suggestions to get the ball rolling.

Research the Market
Get the downsizing process started begins by thinking about where you want to live next. You may want to be near friends, in a particular climate or closer to urban areas. For seniors, a home that will allow you to live safely, comfortably and independently is an ideal start. But it’s not just about the house—the neighborhood is important, too. Researching the current housing market shows what you can afford to buy and in what areas. You can also learn what your current home is likely to go for and how to factor that into your next buy. For example, Redfin notes the average house in Port St. Lucie, FL, sells for around $238,000 and spends about 77 days on the market.

Rent Your Current Home
Not all seniors who downsize into a smaller place choose to sell their current home. Many find that they can receive a steady income by renting it instead. Seniors on a fixed income can add spending cash to their bank account, cushion their travel fund or save up for medical costs. Just be sure you have enough saved to make any big fixes for your tenants, and to cover any costs that you might face when in between renters.

There are also many legal regulations and expectations that come with being a landlord and you’ll want to make you can handle the workload. If you decide it’s more work than you want to take on but still like the idea of the income, you can hire a property manager to oversee things for you, just make sure you budget accordingly.

Purge Unused Items
It can be hard to decide what stays and what goes when you are downsizing to a new home. This process can be made a bit easier by starting with items you never use. First, look around your house for duplicates you can purge. If you’ve been in your house a long time you likely have several items that serve a similar purpose— especially in the kitchen. Think of downsizing as an opportunity to consolidate collections, donate items to important charities, or give belongings to someone who might have a sentimental attachment to them.

Plan Moving Day
Moving day is going to be stressful. Kind of like a wedding day, there is a lot of excitement and anticipation, but you have to be flexible. Something is going to go wrong and you just have to accept that. Bed, Bath & Beyond recommends a moving day checklist to help you minimize those day-of challenges.

With the chaos of the event, consider keeping your valuables with you and not in the moving van. Similarly, if you have pets, you may want to board them for the day or have a friend take them out on a little adventure. If at all possible, try to take your pets by the new place once or twice before move-in day. And lastly, make sure your phone, tablet, laptop, medical devices and other kinds of technology are fully charged so they are ready to use the moment you get in.

For many seniors, downsizing isn’t just a one-time event; it is an emotional, physical and mental process that takes time and patience. That’s why it is so important that— if possible— you take your time to plan your downsizing so you can process all the changes without feeling rushed or undecided. With proper preparations, you’ll be settling into that next home in no time, ready to savor the best of what’s yet to come.

The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding medical doctors, dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for better health choices for you, your family and friends”.

I have found these fifteen super foods or what some might call health supplements to be very healthy.
NOTE: The information on this health website is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed health professional BEFORE practicing or applying any health food or health supplements.

1) Chlorella

Chlorella delivers energy and is loaded with micronutrients and antioxidants. These nutrients help reduce arterial stiffness – a problem commonly associated with high blood pressure.

2) Moringa Leaves

Moringa Leaves help reduce blood sugar and cholesterol and may also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and help protect against arsenic toxicity. Moringa leaves are known to be highly nutritious and should be be helpful to people who are lacking essential basic nutrients.

3) Spirulina

Spirulina is type of blue-green algae and may help the pineal gland cleanse. Spirulina contains a number of nutrients, including B vitamins, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. High in protein and in the vegan world it seems to be used as a source of protein. Sspirulina is known to contain antioxidants, minerals, chlorophyll, and phycocyanobilin which may be nuro protective.

4) Mint

Mint has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food. Mint contains menthol, a natural aromatic decongestant that helps to break up phlegm and mucus and help and may also help with Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Menthol also has a cooling effect and can help relieve a sore throat, best when combined with a natural tea.

5) Beets

Beets are high in lipoic acid, one of the many antioxidants that are believed to help prevent your cells from damage caused by aging. Some studies show that beets help with the healing of nerve damage that causes pain and numbness in the hands and feet of people with diabetes. Other research suggests that beets may help lower your blood cholesterol and help with anti aging.

6) Green Tea

Green Teas are known to be associated with a number of health benefits, from increased fat burning to improved insulin sensitivity (, ).
Green teas may also contain catechins and polyphenols. Catechins and polyphenols can act as antioxidants to prevent cell damage, reduce inflammation and protect the health of your heart.

7) Garlic

Garlic may be one of the oldest “health Foods”. Recently, research has confirmed its potent medicinal properties and found that garlic can even help improve heart health. This is because of the presence of a compound called allicin, which is believed to have many therapeutic effects.
Garlic I find, like most health foods, is best taken the fresher the better.

Click Here To Find Out About The Benefits of Wheatgrass

NOTE: The information on this health website is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed health professional BEFORE applying or practicing.
HealthyMartin.com is designed to assist you in finding dentists and alternative, organic & holistic health, fitness and sports professionals in the Treasure Coast Florida areas of Martin County, Palm Beach County, Saint Lucie County and Indian River County. “Healthy Martin, working together for better health choices for you, your family and friends”.