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ilITLivingR'

Deb and
Manny Frisch
"upsized."

Movie' Vp

Some couples
deft the notion
that you have
to downsize as
you get older.

NORINE ZIMMER
Special to The Jewish News

12/26

1997

`L22 .

anny and Deb Frisch,
Gilda Birmingham, and
Carol and Marty
Gorosh defy the notion
that "aging in place" is the preferred
lifestyle for the 50+ population.
After raising three kids and spend-
ing 29 comfortable years in their
home, a tiny advertisement in The
Jewish News attracted Deb's attention
and the Frisches wound up buying
their dream home.
To move, downsize or upsize, is a
decision many mature couples and
singles must face. And more people
each year must ponder the decision: In
1990, the U.S. Census found 382,000
people in Wayne, Oakland and
Macomb counties who were age 60-
74, and the number is growing.

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"We wanted something more dra-
matic than a condo," says Deb Frisch.
According to Manny, a retired physi-
cian who was 62 when they made the
decision, their new house makes them
feel good, satisfies their aesthetic souls.
"The house isn't an extension of our-
selves, but a wonderful vehicle for us
to indulge all our hobbies, interests, to
show the stuff we've collected or made
or to buy additional stuff.
"We've become knowledgeable
about modern architecture and design,
carpeting and furniture, repairing and
gardening."
The Frisches had to store some of
their belongings when they moved.
Some they gave to their children, oth-
ers to the Salvation Army and some
things were just thrown away. "It's

very gratifying to see that our kids
took some of the things we cherish
and adapted them to their lifestyles,"
they say.
According to Manny, aging wasn't a
concern in their decision to "upsize."
"Our attitude was 'let's buy it and
enjoy the time here' rather than, 'we
better not buy because something may
happen to us.' If our health changes,
we will find a smaller dream house.
"Simplifying life with age is a terri-
ble mistake, I think. For us, being
content means nothing active or
dynamic is going on while alive means
constant change and actively involved
in your environment."
Downsizing from a four bedroom
home with acreage to a small condo
was what Gilda, then 62, and John