Is moving to Auriens about giving something up, or gaining something?

It's the question that often sits behind resistance to change, although it's rarely asked directly. It's easier to talk about square footage, or whether the garden will be missed, than to acknowledge a deeper concern: that moving somewhere smaller might feel like a sign that life is shrinking rather than simply changing.

Resident Advisor, Emily Foot, who has spent five years helping people navigate this transition, believes the way we frame the decision matters. People rarely regret what they leave behind, she says. What they regret is making a move that doesn't give them enough in return. The concern is often less about moving itself and more about whether the trade-off feels worthwhile.

There's always someone available to do things, maintenance etc., I don't want to be redecorating at my age. There's a support team, I just press a button.

Which is why the more useful question isn't what's being lost, but what's being gained. The upkeep of a large home exchanged for more time and freedom. The isolation that can come with living independently replaced by a community of peers with shared experiences and interests. The constant administration of running a household replaced by more opportunities to spend time on the things that matter most.

That doesn't make the decision straightforward, nor does it mean moving is the right choice for everyone. But many people who have made this kind of move don't describe it as downsizing. Instead, they describe it as simplifying. Keeping the things that add value to their lives, while letting go of the responsibilities that no longer do.

It's the staff that make it here – if there's a problem, you just ring up and somebody comes and fixes it. It's peace of mind and as you get older that's a terrific advantage.

When you picture the years ahead, which matters more: maintaining a home, or making the most of your time? Speak to one of our Resident Advisors to hear how others navigated the decision and what life looks like on the other side of it. Contact Alice Hawke on 07917 352 411.