We work hard for our retirement and look forward to the “golden years” of our lives. But, do we really know when these unique years begin, and do they ever end?

When talking about the best years of our lives in the context of our homes, it is apparent to me that we all strive to be comfortable, content, safe and carefree. As we all know, life offers so many challenges and obstacles. Just when we think we’ve reached our destination of peace and tranquility, the rug is pulled out and we alter our path just to survive putting off our ultimate goal of successful retirement. Changes can come in the form of a health change, financial setback or family issues. So then, how do we know when those “golden years” arrive, and how can we live and thrive in those sought after moments?

I remember knocking on a door of one of my clients and heard from the distance, “Come on in.” I opened the door and there sat two tired married folks, both on oxygen. With a smile, the woman said, “Welcome to our golden years!” I’ll never forget her plaintive

look as she reveled in the sarcasm of the moment. They both had great senses of humor, but as I left I thought about their challenging situation and when, in fact, they did, if ever, experience those “golden years”.

We all love to be in our comfort zones. We may be in situations that are toxic to our happiness, safety and comfort. Yet, too many of us continue on waiting for some sign to tell us when we need to alter our paths. I’m referring to living in our homes when we know that there are better alternatives to our current living situation.

All too often I get a call from a child of a senior in desperation hoping I can help sell their mom and dad’s home, get them packed, downsized and moved to a new senior community…all in one month! Why do we wait so long to help our situations and how can we successfully move towards a fulfilling lifestyle so that we can enjoy that new mode of living?

We need to take a serious look at our current situations not only physically, but mentally as well as spiritually. Have a professional assess your financial status and learn how much you can spend per month without ever running out of funds.

Have your trusted advisors give you an honest assessment of your current lifestyle and living conditions. If it is obvious a change is needed, don’t wait until you can no longer enjoy the new surroundings. Take control of your lives and ask yourself, “What would it take to wake up each and every day with a feeling of contentment and peace? What changes do I have to make to be able to say to my friends and family that I have now reached the ‘golden years’ of my life and I intend to stay there as long as possible?”

There is no age limit, no directional sign to the destination of happiness and contentment. It is up to each and every one of us to take our gift of free will and use it to our benefit. No other person can do it for us. Once we decide to take control of our situations and move towards a better living situation, then we may be in a position where we truly will be enjoying our “golden years!”

Bruce Nemovitz is a Senior Real Estate Specialist, as well as Certified Senior Advisor. Bruce has sold residential homes in the four county Milwaukee-Metro areas for 30 years. He has just published a book called “Moving in the Right Direction,” a Senior’s Guide to Moving and Downsizing. He works with his wife Jeanne at Realty Executives Integrity.

Please feel free to call Bruce or Jeanne at 262-242-6177 with any real estate questions you may have or you can email them at Bruce@BrucesTeam.com. You can also go to their website at www.brucesteam.com and view the many articles and important information related to moving and downsizing!