A professional organizer will talk next week in River Forest about how older adults can approach decluttering and downsizing as they sift through a lifetime’s worth of objects and memories.
Anna Glielmi, owner of Glenview-based Fresh Look Home, will speak at 10 a.m. Aug. 22 at the River Forest Public Library, 735 Lathrop Ave.
The event is part of “Let’s Celebrate Seniors All Year Long,” a joint effort between the River Forest Township and the library. Township Supervisor Carla Sloan said they try to offer programming that’s educational and entertaining.
“The timing of it is sort of perfect,” Sloan said, mentioning it’s the time of year when many people are cleaning and/or downsizing. Younger seniors might be moving from large houses to smaller condos or townhouses, she added.
Glielmi said that as people age, they’re taking a hard look at their possessions and wondering what to do with it all.
“We are having quite a few people getting into baby boomer age, and a lot of people have spent their lifetime accumulating things,” Glielmi said.
She said she’s encountered a number of family situations where the children don’t want many of the things parents have saved, and many consignment and antique shops are overwhelmed with items people no longer have an interest in.
“She kind of breaks down the logical from the illogical and you go, ‘Yeah, she’s right,’ ” Sloan said.
Glielmi said she encourages people to consider why they want to hang on to certain items, and if they can find a way to let them go. Oftentimes, they’re holding on to things for their children or grandchildren, but that can be burdensome.
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Glielmi gave a similar talk at the library one year ago, which was well-attended, said Mary Kay Stiff, the library’s adult services manager.
“She loves working with seniors, and that’s kind of who we’re gearing this toward,” Stiff said. “We like to book things we know seniors will enjoy and learn from.”
A professional organizer for 12 years, Glielmi said she enjoys working with older adults and the struggles they face when it comes to organization.
“I found that I really resonated with that demographic,” she said.
The program is free and open to all. For more information on this program and the others scheduled this fall as part of “Let’s Celebrate Seniors All Year Long,” visit www.riverforesttownship.org or call 708-366-2029.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.