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How to determine if it is time to downsize BY METRO Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn't end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buy- ers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners' utmost at- tention. All that hard work is perhaps one reason why seniors may be a little reluctant to downsize as they ad- vance through their golden years. In addi- tion to the sweat equity homeowners put into their homes, all the memories they've made within their walls can make it harder to put a home on the market. Downsizing is a dif- ficult decision that's unique to each home- owner. Seniors who aren't quite certain if downsizing is right for them can consider three key factors to make a de- cision that's in their best interests. The cost Perhaps no variable affects senior home- owners' decisions to downsize their homes as much as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsiz- ing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Even homeowners who have long since paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apart- ment or condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance pre- miums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save se- niors money. The space factor Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. But seniors might want to take a walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use on a consistent basis. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize without adversely af- fecting their daily lives. What about the market The real estate mar- ket is another factor to consider when decid- ing if the time is right to downsize. A seller's market can help seniors get the biggest return on their real estate in- vestment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrock- eted across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sell- ers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won't be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers' favor. Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise due diligence to determine if downsizing is right for them. How to organize a social club BY METRO The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic taught the world many lessons, not the least of which was how easy it can be to take socializing for granted. Lockdown was a big part of life during the early days of the pandemic, as people were forced to stay home from work and school and remain largely iso- lated, even from their own friends and family members. The sense of isola- tion that many people developed during those early days of the pan- demic likely didn't come as a surprise to medical researchers, particularly those who have studied the effects of isolation on aging populations. The National Institute on Aging indicates that social isolation and lone- liness are linked to de- pression as well as a host of other negative health outcomes, including high blood pressure, heart dis- ease, obesity, and cogni- tive decline. Social clubs can be a great way for adults over 50 to avoid isolation and loneliness. Such clubs can provide opportuni- ties to connect with indi- viduals who share similar interests, laying the foun- dation for new friend- ships that can be hard to develop in midlife. Perhaps the best thing about social clubs is that anyone can start one. These tips can help individuals over 50 start social clubs that appeal to locals who are on the lookout for fun ways to meet new people. Have a favorite hobby? Think of a hobby that is unique to your location. One of the best ways to attract other locals is to find a hobby that caters to residents in your area. For ex- ample, coastal residents may want to start a local fishing club, while city dwellers may draw more interest by starting a club focused on local muse- ums or restaurants. Welcome all Individuals over 50 may aspire to meet peo- ple in situations similar to their own, but they should still allow anyone interested in their club to join. Adults in the early stages of midlife (i.e., their 30s and 40s ) are often too busy with their personal and professional lives to make much time for social clubs, so it's likely that those inter- ested will be 50 or older. But accepting all who are interested can increase the chances of starting a diverse and engaging group. Spread the word Meetup (meetup. com) has been facili- tating connections for two decades, making it a great place to start a group for people with shared interests. In addition to utilizing a service such as Meetup, founders can spread the word through their social media apps and create flyers to post on public boards at local commu- nity centers and libraries. Find a public place to gather It's best to avoid hosting club events and meetings at a private residence, including your own. Instead, be- fore starting the club, look around for meeting places, which can include local churches, libraries or community centers. Ask about reserving spaces for meetings and look for places that are accessible for all people, including those with mobility issues. Starting a social club can be a great way for in- dividuals over 50 to meet new people and explore new or existing passions. H8 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 001 Homes | Advertising Section