As Canadians age and their children become independent, many find themselves contemplating the prospect of downsizing. While the desire to stay in their homes remains strong, the realities of health and maintenance can complicate these decisions. A recent survey reveals that a significant 70 per cent of Canadians aged 50 and older wish to remain in their homes for as long as possible. However, as life progresses, the need to adapt may become unavoidable.
The Shift Towards City Living
Marilyn Neuman and her husband experienced this transition firsthand. After their three children moved out, the couple, both in their early 60s, pondered whether it was time to downsize from their five-bedroom home in Thornhill, Ontario, where they had resided for nearly two decades. With Ms. Neuman working as a daycare director in downtown Toronto and her husband frequently visiting the city for medical appointments, the couple decided to make a significant life change. In 2011, they sold their spacious suburban home and relocated to a 1,400-square-foot condominium in downtown Toronto.
The transformation was immediate and profound. No longer tethered to a lengthy commute, Ms. Neuman relished the opportunity to walk to work and enjoy nearby amenities like the St. Lawrence Market. “Sometimes we felt like we were on vacation,” she reflected. “We could walk to the theatre and to restaurants. It was just a totally different lifestyle. We were very ready for it.”
The Reality of Ageing in Place
Despite the allure of city living, many older Canadians express a strong desire to remain in their homes. A survey conducted by the National Institute on Ageing in 2025 found that only 11 per cent of seniors wished to move to a smaller residence. While the sentiment is understandable, the realities of ageing can often complicate these wishes. As individuals reach their 70s and 80s, health concerns and the demands of maintaining a large home may necessitate a change.
Dave Middleton, a financial adviser in Port Elgin, Ontario, frequently encounters clients who delay contemplating downsizing until the situation becomes critical. “If you wait, the decision of where and when you downsize is going to be made by your doctor, your lawyer, or your kids. And you will hate their decision,” he warns.
A 2022 study examining adults aged 55 and older who had recently downsized indicated that those who made the move on their own terms reported improved well-being. The author, Kyrsten Costlow Hill, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado, emphasised the importance of having control over the decision to relocate. “If you feel you have control over the decision to move, it’s going to result in better well-being,” she noted.
Signs It’s Time to Downsize
Determining the right time to downsize isn’t straightforward, but there are indicators to consider. Individuals should reflect on how they wish to spend their time after their children leave home, not only in retirement but in the years leading up to it. For many, this could mean making a move in their 50s or early 60s.
Those with strong ties to family and community, or who find joy in gardening and home projects, may not feel the urgency to downsize immediately. Yet, for those eager to travel or pursue new interests, tapping into the equity of their larger home to facilitate a move to a smaller space can be liberating. “Sometimes it’s your house tying you down from the things that you’d rather be doing,” said Gail Shields, founder of Downsizing Diva, a Toronto-based firm that assists individuals in making the transition.
The Emotional and Physical Toll of Delay
One common challenge arises when one partner is ready to downsize while the other is not. Shields emphasises the need for early discussions about future priorities to mitigate potential friction. Barry Cross, a university lecturer, and his wife made the decision to downsize while their children were still attending university. They exchanged their 3,000-square-foot home for a 1,700-square-foot townhouse closer to his workplace in Kingston. For Cross, the move was a calculated trade-off between time and space, allowing him to reduce his commute and spend more time on leisure activities.
Delaying the decision to downsize can lead to overwhelming consequences. As individuals accumulate possessions over the years, sorting through them can become an emotionally taxing task. Health issues may exacerbate the physical demands of moving, often leaving the burden of relocation on family members. “If you can’t do the move physically or mentally on your own, then your kids are going to have to do it for you,” cautioned Pauline Duhart, co-owner of Simply Home Downsizing in Toronto.
Embracing Change
The most advantageous time to downsize is when one is still excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. For Ms. Neuman, the transition proved beneficial, especially after the passing of her husband in 2019. A few years later, she recognised that she no longer needed to reside in the bustling downtown area and opted for a smaller, more tranquil condo in a leafy midtown neighbourhood. With friends nearby and two of her children living close by, she has embraced a slower pace of life.
Reflecting on her past decisions, Ms. Neuman feels no regrets about the timing of her initial downsizing. Had she waited until after her husband’s passing, the process would have been far more challenging. Their earlier move allowed them to enjoy a new chapter together, illustrating the importance of actively selecting the next stages of life.
Why it Matters
The decision to downsize is not merely about reducing physical space; it is about reclaiming control over one’s life during the later years. As the population ages, understanding the emotional and practical impacts of such a transition becomes vital. By encouraging open conversations about priorities and planning ahead, older Canadians can navigate the complexities of downsizing with confidence and clarity, ensuring that their later years are filled with the activities and lifestyles they cherish most.
