Housing for the Elderly: Recognizing Fears, Seizing Opportunities

The Home Through the Stages of Life

When people are in their fifties or sixties, almost no one likes to think about getting older. And yet, at some point, questions arise: How long can I stay in my own home? What if climbing stairs or maintaining the house becomes increasingly difficult? And how do I manage my assets so that I can continue to enjoy my standard of living in the future?

One’s own home plays a central role in this. After all, in old age, having a place to live means far more than just a roof over one’s head. It represents independence, security, memories, and the prosperity one has built up over decades.

Some people in the second half of their lives live in homes that have long since outgrown their needs. Yet they stay: out of a sense of attachment to their home and because there are no attractive alternatives. At the same time, maintaining the home becomes increasingly demanding, while moving doesn’t feel right—either emotionally or financially.

But where do you start? A good first step is to take stock of the situation:

• Will my house still fit into my daily life ten or fifteen years from now?
• What investments or renovations are planned for the next few years?
• How much will my housing costs be after I retire?
• What types of housing would generally be suitable for me?
• Do I know the current market value of my property?
• Are there any alternatives in the region I’m interested in?
  

Maintaining Independence

For many people, independence is one of the most important prerequisites for a fulfilling life. As long as you can manage your own home, go shopping, cook, and organize your daily life on your own, you can maintain a high quality of life.

But what happens if the house has multiple floors? What if the yard becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, or the bathroom no longer meets today’s needs? Often, it’s not the square meters that determine whether a home will still be suitable in old age, but seemingly minor obstacles like stairs, thresholds, or a lack of barrier-free design.

Such considerations demonstrate foresight and forward-looking planning.

People who assess their homes for their suitability for everyday living often identify areas today that could become more important in the future. These include, for example:

• a bathroom on the ground floor or the option to add one later
• Wide doors and threshold-free entrances
• Short distances to shopping and public transportation
• basic local services such as doctors, pharmacies, a post office, and a bank
• a garden that can continue to be well-maintained in the future

Taking the Pressure Off the Family

Many parents want to place as little burden as possible on their children. They want to manage their own affairs and make decisions on their own.

In conversations with property owners, we often find that these topics go unaddressed within the family for a long time. Yet open discussions provide clarity. They help identify differing expectations early on and prevent situations in which family members are later forced to make decisions under time pressure.

Depending on the situation, Sales can also free up financial resources that can later be used, for example, for support services or care. This helps you maintain your independence for as long as possible.

It’s hard to let go of one’s roots

A home is much more than just a piece of Real Estate. It’s often the place where children grew up, birthdays were celebrated, and countless memories were made. You know your neighbors, your walking route, the bakery, and every corner of the neighborhood.

Anyone who, after thirty or forty years, is thinking about moving is not only saying goodbye to a home, but also to a chapter of their life. It is therefore completely understandable that this thought is difficult to accept.

As difficult as this step may be, moving to a new home does not automatically mean a loss of quality of life. On the contrary: Those who are still active and mobile usually find it easier to make connections, discover new routines, and, step by step, build a new social circle that fits their current life situation.

What if I can’t find anything suitable?

Smaller, well-located, and age-appropriate apartments are in high demand in many places. That’s why it’s worth starting your search early. Especially if you want to stay in your familiar neighborhood or have specific ideas about size, amenities, and location, the search may take longer than expected.

A smaller home often opens up new possibilities: less maintenance, lower fixed costs, and more time for hobbies, travel, or family. At the same time, Sales of your current home can provide the financial flexibility to find a living arrangement that better suits the next phase of your life. However, a careful analysis may also reveal that a Renovation or another solution makes more sense.

Planning for the Coming Decades with Care

Retirement often marks the beginning of a new chapter in life. At the same time, your financial situation changes. Questions such as “Will my AHV and pension fund be enough in the long run?”, “What housing costs do I want to cover in the future?”, “Will I still be able to afford my mortgage after retirement?” or “How much financial leeway will I have left for travel, hobbies, or supporting others later on?” are questions you shouldn’t wait until you’re eighty to ask yourself.

Those who start thinking things through as early as fifty or sixty can make decisions calmly, gain confidence, and carefully weigh their various options.

Decluttering also means letting go

Over the course of decades, a whole lifetime’s worth of belongings accumulates. The basement, attic, garage, photo albums, mementos, and furniture all tell stories. The thought of sorting through all of this feels overwhelming to many. Yet people who have already taken this step often say something quite different: They don’t see letting go as a loss, but as a liberation. Less clutter creates space for a new chapter in life—and often for new experiences as well.

That’s why it’s worth not waiting until right before a potential move to start. If you organize individual rooms early on or gradually let go of things, you’ll usually find the process much less stressful.

There are more possibilities than many people realize

It doesn’t always have to be Sales. Perhaps a renovation is all that’s needed, a smaller condo might be a better fit, or an age-appropriate rental apartment could offer the freedom you’re looking for. New living arrangements, such as multigenerational homes, shared living arrangements for adults, or apartments with on-site services, also expand your options.

Which solution is right depends on your personal needs, financial situation, and plans for the future. By researching your options early and comparing different alternatives, you’ll create flexibility and be able to shape the next phase of your life according to your own vision.

Do you own a property and are thinking about your future?

I’d be happy to advise you on all aspects of “housing for seniors.”

Martin Klement, Real Estate Consultant

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+41 52 544 40 25