Downsizing Emotionally Before Downsizing Physically, Preventing Heart Disease, and Planning Your Estate for the Future

You're receiving this because you signed up on our website. Want to unsubscribe? Just reply to this email with the words “no thanks.”

First-time reader? Join {{active_subscriber_count}} other seniors for free.

Have you reviewed our book yet? Please do so here.

Downsizing often gets framed as a logistical task — sorting, discarding, packing, and deciding what fits in a smaller space. But for many older adults, the harder part happens before any boxes are even touched. Emotional downsizing is about easing the attachment to possessions, so that the actual physical downsizing feels calmer and more intentional.

A common concern is, “If I let this go, I’m letting the memory go.” In reality, memories don’t live in objects — they live in you. Try choosing one sentimental item and writing down why it matters to you: who it belonged to, where it came from, and what it represents. Once the story behind it is captured, the object often feels less emotionally heavy to hold onto — and easier to release.

Ask a practical, present-focused question: Does this support the life I’m living today? For example, formal dish sets, hobby supplies, or certain pieces of furniture may all reflect a previous chapter of your life. Acknowledging that they once mattered — and no longer serve you — is not failure; it’s recognition of change.

Emotional downsizing doesn’t start with cherished heirlooms. Begin with lower-stakes items: duplicates, gifts you never used, or items tied to roles you no longer hold. Each small decision builds confidence and reduces the anxiety around the bigger ones.

When several items represent the same memory, choose just one to keep. One favorite photo instead of the full album. One piece of furniture that still serves you instead of the entire set. One treasured letter instead of a stack. This preserves meaning without preserving volume.

You’re not erasing the past — you’re curating it. Downsizing emotionally means deciding which stories you want nearby physically and which ones you’re comfortable carrying internally.

People who downsize emotionally first often find the physical process far less draining. Decisions become clearer, and the move — or reorganization — feels like a transition rather than a loss.

“The Bus Token in My Coat Pocket”
From the life overview of Arthur J., 86, Newark, NJ. Shared with permission.

I found the bus token years later while cleaning out an old winter coat. It was wedged deep in the pocket behind a wad of lint and a folded receipt. It was heavier than I expected, cool and solid in my palm, stamped with the city seal worn smooth at the edges. For a moment, I couldn’t remember why I’d kept it. Then I did.

In the early seventies, I took the Number 13 bus across town every morning to the print shop where I worked. I carried that token between my fingers as I waited at the stop, rubbing my thumb over its ridges. The bus was always crowded, packed with men in work boots, women clutching purses, the smell of damp wool coats in winter. Even in that jostling crowd, there was a comfort in the routine, the familiar jolt as the bus pulled away from the curb.

One afternoon, the driver waved me through when I reached for my pocket and came up empty. “Get me tomorrow,” he said, already watching the mirror. I found the token later that night on the kitchen table, where I’d set it down absentmindedly while sorting the mail. I slipped it back into my coat, deciding to save it for another day.

Tomorrow came and went, and somehow I never used it. The routes changed, then the job did, and eventually the buses themselves looked different. Still, the token stayed with me, riding along through seasons I didn’t think to mark at the time.

Holding it years later, I understood why I’d kept it. It wasn’t for a ride I owed; it was for a stretch of life measured in mornings, in unspoken proximity, and in the quiet assurance of knowing exactly where you were headed.

***

Do you want to (1) capture your life story like above or (2) edit, format, and/or publish something you’ve worked on for years?
Get a FREE Life Story or Publishing Consultation

Time and Date — Sun, Moon, and Seasons
Straightforward information about daylight, moon phases, eclipses, and seasonal changes. It’s practical and grounding, connecting everyday schedules to larger natural cycles.

National Museum of Asian Art — Online Exhibitions
A set of self-guided digital exhibitions focused on art, history, and daily life across Asia. The presentations are concise and well organized, making them suitable for short visits or slower exploration.

U.S. Census Bureau Population Clock
A live, continuously updated view of population estimates in the United States and around the world. It’s simple, factual, and quietly grounding, offering a clear sense of scale and change without commentary or interpretation.

This daily section is brought to you by MemoirGhostwriting.com, experts in capturing life stories for loved ones and/or the public. We can meet any budget. (Does your story deserve to be told?)

Take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts. Even a few sentences are a memory preserved for loved ones.

Scam messages are designed to look convincing and create urgency, often pretending to be from a bank, delivery service, or government agency. Before clicking any link or replying, take a moment to check a few key details—most scams fall apart under light inspection.

Start with these steps before you click anything.

Look at the sender carefully.
A real company will usually email from its official domain (for example, “@bankname.com”), not from a random string of letters or a free email address.

Watch for pressure.
Messages that say things like “Act now,” “Your account will be closed,” or “Immediate action required” are common scam tactics. Legitimate organizations rarely demand instant responses.

Hover over links (on a computer).
Without clicking, place your mouse over the link to see where it actually goes. If the web address looks strange or doesn’t match the company name, don’t click.

Be cautious with attachments.
Unexpected attachments—especially ZIP files or PDFs—are a common way scams spread malware.

Helpful official guidance:

If you want extra certainty, use these methods.

Don’t use the message’s links or phone numbers.
Instead, open a new browser window and go directly to the company’s official website, or call the number printed on your statement or card.

Know who won’t text or email you.
Government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration do not contact people by text or email asking for payments or personal information.

Check delivery claims independently.
If a message claims to be from the United States Postal Service or another carrier, visit the carrier’s official site and enter the tracking number there—if it’s real, it will show up.

Use built-in spam filtering.
Most email services and phones let you report messages as spam or phishing, which helps block similar messages in the future.

One simple habit—verifying messages before clicking—can prevent most email and text scams before they ever become a problem.

Cruise deal of the day: 3 Nights Mexico Cruise - departing March 10, from $169

Unmissable American gem: Paris, Kentucky offers seniors a delightful blend of historic charm, bourbon-region scenery, and easygoing Main Street shopping and dining experiences nestled in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass.

Unscramble the letters to find a famous person, event, or object! Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and we’ll send you a free gift in the mail.

Today’s clue: Thumbing a ride before ride-sharing apps.

KHHIITCHE

Help a life story get told, earn thousands: Refer someone to MemoirGhostwriting.com and earn 12% of what they spend. Find out more here.

Interested in advertising with Seniors Magazine? Learn more here.

Disclaimer: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, Seniors Magazine may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The content of the newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or health advice. We may also share polling responses with advertisers to help keep this newsletter free.