Is Living in an Apartment Better After Retirement? A 71-Year-Old Couple Sold Their House and Moved Near the Station—Then Regretted It After Six Months

When retiring and downsizing, many people prioritize 'convenience'—being close to train stations, having easy access to shopping, and reducing future caregiving and transportation burdens. However, a Japanese couple aged 71 discovered that their new home, which they believed would make life easier in retirement, had taken away some of the everyday pleasures they once took for granted.

According to a report by Japanese media outlet THE GOLD ONLINE, the couple sold their single-family home, where they had lived for over 30 years, and moved into a condominium near a train station. After just six months, they realized that while convenience had improved, they had lost the rhythm of their former lifestyle.

Worries About Aging: Home Maintenance and Driving in Later Life

Chikako (pseudonym), 71, and her 72-year-old husband Tatsuo (pseudonym) had lived in a 30-year-old, four-bedroom detached house. Their combined monthly pension income was about 250,000 yen, with savings of approximately 26 million yen. Their children were independent, and financially, they were stable. However, as they aged, they began thinking about their future.

Their home was about a 15-minute bus ride from the nearest station, and daily shopping relied heavily on driving. After turning 70, Tatsuo began to worry: "How much longer will I be able to drive?" Additionally, maintaining the detached house was becoming a burden. The yard had grass and trees requiring regular weeding and pruning. Over the years, they had also spent money on exterior repairs and replacing the water heater.

Chikako and Tatsuo thought, "We're both still healthy now, but managing the garden and house maintenance after age 80 seems exhausting." They decided to downsize, aiming to find a home where they could live without needing a car. Eventually, they purchased a used condominium about a 5-minute walk from the station. The area had supermarkets, drugstores, clinics, and access to major hospitals via train.

According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's '2023 Comprehensive Housing Living Survey,' 'convenience for daily shopping' is the most important factor in housing selection, cited by 40.3% of respondents. Elderly couples, too, prioritize functional living environments when relocating.

Initial Satisfaction and Growing Discomfort After Six Months

The couple sold their house for about 30 million yen and decided not to keep a car after moving. Right after the move, Chikako told her daughter, "It's really much easier now." Shopping no longer required driving, and without a garden to maintain, there was less physical strain. Tatsuo also felt safer, no longer needing to drive in the rain.

However, after six months, they began to notice a different kind of problem: "Life is indeed convenient, but every day feels strangely monotonous."

Life Without a Garden: Losing Daily Small Goals

Before the move, Tatsuo would walk around the garden every morning. He would check the trees, clear fallen leaves, and water the tomatoes he grew himself. Although gardening was sometimes tiring, in retirement, these tasks became a fixed part of his daily routine. Chikako also enjoyed growing flowers and would change the potted plants by the entrance with the seasons.

After moving to the apartment, although there was a balcony, management rules and safety concerns limited their ability to freely place gardening tools and plants as they once did. During the move, they discarded many items, including gardening tools, DIY equipment, and long-accumulated collections. On sunny days, Tatsuo used to naturally go outside to tend the garden; now, living in an apartment, he sometimes stayed indoors all day unless he made a special effort.

Tatsuo said, "I used to think the garden was a hassle, but only after losing it did I realize it was also a source of joy in daily life."

Before Relocating: Think Beyond Reducing Burdens—Preserve What Brings Joy

The couple does not plan to return to their old detached house. They believe that driving and home maintenance would still be stressful at their age. To regain the joy of connecting with the earth, Tatsuo later rented a plot in a community garden, visiting two to three times a week by train. Chikako also began attending local gardening classes.

"Even without a garden, we can still touch the soil. If we had thought about this before moving, we might have made better preparations."

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's survey also indicates that 'residential space and layout' is another important factor, chosen by 11.8% of respondents. Downsizing in retirement can indeed solve many issues—reducing garden maintenance, lowering car dependency, and improving safety and convenience. But for many, the things once considered 'troublesome' may have been essential sources of fulfillment in retirement life.

Before relocating, it's crucial not only to consider 'what burdens to reduce' but also to clearly reflect on 'what habits and joys you wish to continue.' Only by finding that balance can a new home truly suit life after retirement.