To downsize, or not to downsize?

We may be over 50 or much older, perhaps a little feeble but not so stupid that we need others to decide how to manage our family life and if or when to downsize. Let those clever people recommending such ideas vacate their foreshore houses and perhaps suggest where to find the funds to re-establish elsewhere, who is likely to have funds to purchase new lodgings, many would love to move to a smaller home. It is the Governments responsibility to create an environment to cater for growth and development, while we have Politicians either financially irresponsible or obstructionist, there will never be a better future for young families. 

It's a personal decision that everyone needs to make for themselves. We downsized in our mid fifties to free ourselves from the maintenance of a large home and garden we no longer needed. We know many others who made the same decision just as we know many people who prefer to continue living in their family home. Live and let live without interference from government! 

I dont think people should have to down size because the media and so on are saying the older people are holding on to room for young or just starting familys these people have probably spent there lifetime were they are I myself know were I grew up my parents stayed in the house my father built all those years ago and when they passed myself and brother and sister put the house on the market after they were gone a younger family have it now that is how I feel it should be . 

I worked hard all my life to make a family home(my first real home as I came from War torn Prussia) I couln't stand the thought of downsizing, as my children were all raised here,my husband did lots of landscaping when he was alive.Lots of memories,my home for 53 years.I deserve my space and comforts here.MY right to stay surely. 

I am over 65 I work in excess of 80 hours per week, I love my five bedroom ,study family room, lounge room and rumpus room home on five acres I lived here since 1997 . I built the home I put a lot of blood sweat and tears in this home before and after I divorced. My children have grown up and moved out I am an empty nester. Now a couple of controversial academics come out with some stupid statement that I should move out and let the younger generation enjoy what I worked for well you know what they can do with their dumb job justification statement STICK IT UP YOUR JUMPER! If anyone is to blame is the Government and local councils for pushing high rise developments and postage stamp size building blocks and in both these there is insufficient infrastructure foe amenities for children to play and be outdoors. The old days when parks and reserves are gone now it is how to make more money out of the same size land and the appropriate body does not spend more on roars water and other services. There is no way we should make way for the younger generation at our expense.Even with the hours I work I still manage to maintain my property on my own one day when I feel I am unable to manage I will consider downsizing. 

Carol from NSW Our forefathers who fought for our rights to become a better place for the then and future generations of this country would role over in their graves to see the disgrace this Australia has become. It just seems to me that from Polititions to the younger generations,the Over 50s are not being shown any respect that is their due. Every day you see in the media the next plan someone comes up with to kick us in the guts,what do the want us to do just role over and die.Over 50s is vastly becoming of little consequence,and shortly we will be entitled to nothing . 

Julius from NSW Reading comments of other “over fifty’s”, there is much the same answer – do not downsize for any reason, government or media may argue or comment. It is your home, your life and circumstances permitting, live in your home as long as possible. You have your established place, transport, medical facility, neighbours and that makes feeling of safe living. All of us worked hard to achieve our goals, with many sacrifices on the way. Present generation is pursuing different values in their lives, where motto – I want it all, I want it now - is dominating their actions. We should not condemn them, rather show them how we did it, of cause it took us a little longer then they are prepared to take. My wife and I had an opportunity to built our home with the outlook that we will remain in the house for life and later one of the children will take over, living in and looking after the house (and us as well). I certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable if developers would take over and demolish the place in a pursuit of their profits. 

This is just another smokescreen, designed to gain approval from the greedy "I want it now and I shouldn't have to work for it' generation. I have 2 houses abd you greedy little arseholes are not going to get your hands on what I worked bloody hard for. 

Honour thy mother and thy father so that their lives may be long in the land that the Lord giveth thee. 

This generation want every thing at once, a house two cars and a house full of all the modern white goods and Foxtel. They are up to there eyes in debt and can only blame them selves!