‘Downsizing is overrated’

Sir, – I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiments expressed in Elizabeth Bond’s article “‘Downsizing is overrated. Creating a family home is a lifetime’s achievement’” (Residential, May 11th). Of course proximity of family, community, shops and transport play a part and one’s personal mental and physical health are major considerations.

Nonetheless there is a tendency in human nature to subconsciously enjoy another being “reduced down to size”.

I have lived independently for the past five years in our family home following the death of my beloved husband.

I do not think I would have done as well as I have done without being surrounded by the memories of our shared life together in this home rearing our family over 50-plus years.– Yours, etc,