Reducing Clutter as We Age

As we age, we accumulate many things we do not need. Letting go of items can be difficult considering the memories and emotions often tied to them. Getting rid of items can serve as a reminder that things don't last forever, including us. Going through all of your things can serve as a reminder of who you are, how you see yourself, and how you want others to see you after your death — your legacy.

Many items we see in older adults' homes are from child-rearing, things they no longer use, or items from a deceased spouse. The accumulation of clutter sometimes stems from shopping which can serve as a hobby/source of entertainment, and memory loss (forgetting or misplacing items they already have). Functional limitations and illness can make tackling the clutter feel impossible to manage. Many older adults need assistance with the organization. As nuclear families evolve, they encounter issues with availability and distance to provide the support required.

Clutter creates an increased risk for falling, the risk for fire, and increases burn rate times. Excessive clutter can contribute to medication mix-ups. It's essential to incinerate old meds and create an organized plan for managing medications such as a medication service like pill pack. This reduces the margin for error. Approximately 200,000 older adults are hospitalized annually for adverse drug reactions. Increased clutter can limit mobility in the home. Research shows that active older adults can stay in their homes longer and are more likely to be able to complete their ADL's independently.

Start by outlining time to work on decluttering. Sort items by identifying what needs to be put away, recycled, fixed/mended, trash, and donate. You can use bins, baskets, or boxes. Start with one room at a time. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't used it within the last year, you do not need it. Create a designated place for items. You can use containers or recycled items to help keep everything organized. Digitizing keepsakes can drastically cut down on clutter.

When there is less chaos on the outside, we're likely to feel less chaos on the inside. When clutter is decreased, it improves concentration, sleep, reduces stress, and promotes a positive outlook. NorthShore Home Care provides services to help our clients achieve a safe environment and a higher quality of life.