The Emotional Impact of Downsizing

Sorting, storytelling and keeping what's meaningful

At Hively, we're always on the hunt for the culture and tips to enrich this next life chapter. This week, we reflect on the emotional side of downsizing and new research from Stanford that reveals why some brains stay sharp and steady as they age.

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This Week’s Suggested Reading 📖

  • The Emotional Impact of Downsizing

    When Julie Pfitzinger decided to sell the home she’d shared with her late husband for 31 years, she quickly learned that “getting rid of stuff” was anything but simple. This thoughtful piece dives into the deep emotional layers of downsizing - how storytelling helps us process memories, why letting go can bring unexpected relief, and what it really means to keep only what carries meaning. Click to read at nextavenue.org.

The Latest in Healthy Aging 🧠

  • Why the Brain’s GPS Fails With Age and How Some Minds Defy It

    Stanford scientists have uncovered why some people lose their sense of direction with age and why a lucky few don’t. In a new study, older mice showed disrupted activity in the brain’s “internal GPS,” a system that helps us form mental maps of familiar places. But a handful of “super-ager” mice kept their navigation skills intact, hinting that certain genes may help preserve memory and spatial awareness later in life. Click to read at sciencedaily.com.

This Week’s Resource 🎉

  • The Art Students League: Master art classes from home

    The Art Students League brings professional artist instruction from their renowned New York City studio directly to your home through online classes in painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking for all skill levels.
    Online | Click to learn more

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Warmly,
Hively Team