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Y O U R F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S N E W S S O U R C E www.foreveryoungnews.comY O U RY O U R F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S F I F T Y - F I V E P L U S N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E N E W S S O U R C E www.www.foreveforeveryoungryoungryoungnewsnews COVID-19 has changed the boomer's concept of home By Vivien Sharon The pandemic has changed everything for many boomers. For some it has motivated them to move faster, but for many it signaled a time to wait on the sidelines. This pandemic has changed their thinking about their retire- ment years and their concept of home. Prior to the world-sweeping COVID-19 pandemic, many boomers were on the move. They felt young and vital and looked forward to enjoying their golden years by downsiz- ing in order to simplify their life. Many had money in investments or in their bank. Many were planning to sell their family home and cash out to seek a life of freedom and travel now that they were empty nesters. Kids were grown and independent and the costs to upkeep the house were no longer practical. Downsizing would give them freedom. It was their time. Many took for granted winters in Florida, Arizona, Mexico, or somewhere warm. Cruises and international travel were high up on their bucket list. Travelling to be with kids and grandkids wherever they lived, was also a top priority. Many boomers were seeking a 1,400 square foot (or larger) condominium in the city or in the suburbs, or else a smaller home or town- home. Condo living was often the answer due to such appealing amenities as indoor pools, gyms, party rooms with the security of a 24/7 concierge. Strolling to their favourite restau- rants, boutiques or going to a movie sponta- neously were part of the plan with the added bonus of leaving the car at home. But plans got shoved aside by the realities of life. COVID-19 shifted their mindset and many are presently sitting on the sidelines. Suddenly Boomers 55-75 years of age who felt youthful and vibrant are feeling vulnerable and fearful because their health is threatened by an outside source and one that is global. Boomers are focussed on staying healthy. Who could have predicted that a pan- demic COVID-19 has underscored the impor- tance of several new trends: the importance of home offices, gyms, flexible floor plans and modular furniture, pull-out beds, play areas for grandkids, outdoor spaces and garden pools. In condos, boomers seek balconies, or townhomes with elevators and small gardens. Other trends include garage conversions to home offices, laneway houses, garden or nanny suites for multi-generational living or home retrofitting to allow "aging in place". However not all boomers have pressed the snooze button. Some move due to loss of a spouse, separation or divorce, financial neces- sity, and yes, some are COVID-19 reaction moves. This past year, two boomer couples I worked with are moving because of the need for a condo balcony or wish to buy a condo of their dreams and rent it out until this pan- demic is over. Another trend is the migration of boom- ers choosing to move away from city homes and condos to communities all over Southern Ontario and beyond where a single-family home can cost about $600,000 instead of almost triple that in Toronto or the GTA. Others are fleeing to cottage country where prices have gone up 15 to 22 per cent com- pared to one year ago. What does the future look like for downsiz- ing boomers? According to economic pun- dits, the vaccine is the endgame. With that, urban life will resume and so will boomer confidence. There will be a return of immigra- tion and foreign students, interest rates are at an all-time low, Canada is politically stable and there is healthcare for all. It will not be an instant process with experts predicting a two- year phasing in. Vivien Sharon is a real estate broker with Sotheby's International Realty Canada and is the autor of "The Boomer's 7-Step Guide to Downsizing: Overcoming Fear & Discovering Freedom". www.viviensharon.com. 21 | O akville B eaver | T hursday,F ebruary 4,2021 insidehalton.com Care that's extra careful V for Vistamere We're very proud of our family of Vistamere staffers during these difficult times. They go above and beyond each and every day to help ensure the safety of our residents. So our residents just want to say, "Thank You." Vistamere Retirement Residence is located in a quiet, residential neighbourhood in west Oakville. You can still come for a virtual tour. Just go to vistamere.ca TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY vistamere.ca 380 Sherin Drive Oakville, Ontario L6L 4J3 905.847.1413 vistamere.ca Like us onFollow us on Season's Greetings Care that's extra careful #214 - 1060 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 2X4 Oakville Health Centre 905.842.1702 southoakvillehearing.com SP EE RS RO AD PI NE GR OV E RO AD FOURTH LINE Oakville Health Centre Call 905-842-1702 to book your hearing test! Try the latest in hearing aid technologyogy Gaby Lesniak BSc., M.Cl.Sc (Aud), Reg. CASLPO Audiologist & Owner We are here to help. Having trouble hearing people with amask on? Could be more than just the mask... Come in and get your hearing checked with our Audiologist. #214 - 1060 Speers Rd. Oakville, ON L6L 2X4