Consider A Studio Apartment For Solo Senior Living

First Look at My Apartment 2018

The first thing I had to do once I downsized and moved from a house to a studio apartment was to figure out how to set it up. It is not as easy as it sounds. Especially if you bring boxes of things that you used in your previous homes. My studio apartment is 338 square feet which is pretty small compared to some others. I have been here now since 2018, so seven years. Over that time period I have gotten rid of more items that I didn't need or use. If I use it I will keep it. Sometimes I cry at the thought of getting rid of certain things but I have no room for things I can't use. After all that time, I am still doing it. Still getting rid of items. The hardest has been kitchen items. As long time readers of this blog know, I was a "modern homesteader" and did a lot of cooking and canning. It has been difficult for me to give up that part of my life. It has come over time though. Now my focus is making my life easier so not as much cooking. 

The kitchen

Most studio apartments are one big room with a kitchen area along one wall. The bathroom of course is the only separate room. I am very fortunate to have an ideal setup. My kitchen and bathroom are next to each other and are disabled friendly. I could use a wheelchair in them if I needed one. My kitchen is a small square with the bathroom door opening into it. One wall of the kitchen is completely open that goes into the rest of the apartment. The area outside my kitchen doorway is my "office". My table is where I keep my computer and all my computer related equipment. Since I do not have others here for meals I am on my computer when eating because that is what I like to do. 

My office is opposite the kitchen

When I am cooking or cleaning in the kitchen I can take a break to sit down at the table and still keep an eye on the kitchen. I am very careful about the electrical appliances I use. The last thing I want is a fire so I double check everything every time. I cannot stand for more than five minutes so I put something on to cook and then take a break. Checking on it every now and then. It is always within my view. Of course now I cook simple meals and clean up is fast. I wash the dishes after every meal so they do not pile up. If for some reason after supper I cannot do the dishes it is no big deal. I will do them in the morning. Living alone is really a plus for me in the kitchen. 

Living Room Area

The rest of the apartment is basically set up for sleeping, relaxing while watching television and for my pet bunny rabbit. Since I have not been sleeping in a bed for over a year now I do not have a bedroom in this space. Right now the area I had for my bedroom is where I keep the bunny cage and his area. A large dresser creates a wall for that space so it is not seen from the rest of the apartment. When my bunny is gone I will make it into my bedroom again. I have enough space in this area that I could have a love seat or small couch. For me though. a recliner, the curio cabinet, a stand with a lamp and a chair is enough in this tiny space. The television is on top of the big  dresser which puts it in the middle of the room. So the sound of it will never affect the next apartments. The same with my CD player as it is on the dresser next to it. 

My bedroom area

The reason I chose a studio apartment over a one bedroom is because I really love the open plan. Growing up with my own bedroom where I spent my happiest times made me miss having one as I got older and was married. I wanted my own space! More than anything. Most people want a one bedroom and when I moved here I did too. But as soon as I stepped into this apartment to look at it..........I was in love with it! High ceilings in the living and bedroom area makes it appear spacious. I took my name off the list for a one bedroom and have here in my studio happily ever since. Things are different when you live alone. A studio might be harder to live in with another person. It is all about privacy.  

kat's Kitchen

I can take a quick glance at my home and see what needs to be done. If you are planning a move and think a studio apartment is too small maybe you should go look at some first. For one thing they are much cheaper in rent and utilities. Easier to clean and take care of. Easier to live in if you end up with some kind of mobility issues. I can use a walker, a mobility chair or a wheelchair in mine if needed. Another plus is that it makes you get rid of all your excess stuff. It does not mean I live like a pauper. I just use different things here than I did at my old house. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

kat's Studio Apartment - Apartment Life

I am not sure how I manage but almost everything I plan to do I eventually do. After many years of starting and stopping......Atkins, low carbs, keto & finally, ketovore. Ketovore is a cross between the carnivore food plan and keto. Mainly meats but some other keto friendly foods as well. Now I am definitely on it and stick to it at least 90%. I figure that is good enough for me. I do feel better on it and that is the main reason I eat this way. The other reason is that it is so good! Easy to shop for, easy to cook and easy to clean up after. What more could you want? After years of cooking for others this is a relief for me. Especially since I cannot stand in one place (at the sink or the stove) for very long. My doctor said don't stand longer than five minutes in one place. I try not to.

Cat Collection in curio cabinet

Another thing I have been doing over a bit of time is getting rid of all my excess things that I do not need. There is free table downstairs in my apartment building and I try to set something on it every week. If I see someone picked that item up I put another one down. Kind of interesting to do. Because I figure if I don't use it I may as well give it to someone who will. I don't know if I will ever get brave enough to start putting my ceramic cat collection on the table. Maybe not. Maybe I will wait till I am in my nineties to do that. The same with my dolls that I have had since I was a child. I don't know if "uncluttering" or downsizing as it is sometimes called is an aging thing or not. I see a lot of videos with young people doing it too. Maybe it is trending that we bought too much stuff and now need to get rid of it. I tell myself if I ever have to live in an RV or a van I could never do it with all the stuff I own. 

The best I could do for now.

Since I am following the "ketovore" food plan I have found a lot of gadgets I own for food preparation I no longer need. Basically everything I have out on my counter I use often. I have too many other items that are just taking up room. I am thinking of getting rid of those items. It is funny how someone said on one of the "decluttering" videos that the more you get rid of the more you want to get rid of. Yes, that is definitely true for me. I am seeing that in myself every time I see something I put on the free table is gone. Makes it so much easier to clean or find what you are looking for. I removed as much as I could from my counter so it would not look so cluttered. It also gives me plenty of room to prepare my meals. 

Oma Lisa, my childhood doll

As I get older I find I don't really need so much stuff. If I can use it for other purposes than what it was meant for then I do that. I would always rather use that than purchasing anything new. When I write down my lists of what I need to do or what I want to eliminate from my life I can analyze it further. The key is to get started. Experts are always telling us to find our why. My why is to make life easier now. Not work around it until the day I die. If it is not serving any purpose now is the time to rid myself of it. As I said before there are some items I will never part with. One being my childhood dolls. They still bring me pleasure and I just cannot part with them. At least not yet. 

Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2025 Kathleen G. Lupole

Every Day Life In My Apartment

 I cook and I clean every day. Really not much different than I did when I lived on my homestead. The differences are that I am living with my pet Rabbit only. So he is the only one I need to feed and look out for besides myself. I spend time on my computer the same as I did back then too. The main differences is that I now have all the conveniences I didn't have back then. The ones I thought I would have eventually. Like running water! Like air conditioning! I suffered horribly there in the summer time. I hated it and was miserable due to the heat. At my age now, I think the hot weather would have killed me. I cannot take it even now but at least I have the relief of a cold apartment.

My household chores would not be so bad if my knees weren't as bad as they are now. I was walking outside with my walker regularly and that was doable. Then this hot weather struck early this year. In June. So much for me walking outside. The last time I walked outside was to my hair appointment and the walk there was not too bad. Coming back though, in the hottest part of the afternoon was a killer. I doubted several times on the way back if I was going to make it. I did. It is not that far. 

I cook all my own meals in my small kitchen. They do not heat up my apartment since I use counter top kitchen appliances. Such as the Duxtop induction stove top burner and the NuWave convection oven. Both are energy efficient and do not put out much heat when in use. The Instant Pot is also a major part of my small kitchen. I have other kitchen appliances but these three are my major every day sources. I like to cook so I have no complaints about making meals for myself daily. 

My apartment is designed for a disabled person and is perfect for me. I know a lot of people will tell me, "Oh I could never live in a studio apartment." Yet there are many advantages to doing so. Especially as you age. For one thing, it is cheaper. My rent is very low. Due to the small size of a studio (mine is 338 sq. ft.) you are forced to downsize and get rid of your clutter. Less stuff makes it easier to care for it. Easier to keep it clean. Nothing for you to fall over. I am fortunate that my studio has a completely separate kitchen. Some just have a kitchen built along one small wall area. My kitchen is U shaped. It enables me to reach from one side to the other. This gives me a way to hold on if needed while working in it. I find it to be the perfect design for me. It is also big enough to use a wheelchair in it. Though I do not need one presently. 

The dining area of my apartment that would normally be used for eating, I use for my computer and related equipment. It comes in handy since I cannot stand longer than five minutes at a time in the kitchen. I will start something cooking and come sit down and can still keep an eye on it from here. I do not use the table for eating. It is a kitchen/dining table but it makes more sense to keep my computer on it. I bring a tray table to my chair when I am having a meal. It is easier and more relaxing. 

I find that the more I get rid of things the more I like it. I also find that the more I can do for myself the better it is for me. Privacy in my apartment is important to me so at this time I do not have anyone helping me. There are certain ways I do things and I do not want anyone trying to change that or me. Maybe my way of doing something is not the easiest or the fastest, but it is my way. I plan on keeping it that way.

Copyright © 2024 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2024  Kathleen G. Lupole

I Love Lighting and Lamps In My Apartment!

My Office

When I lived on my homestead with my husband I had to endure living in the dark. Most of the time we used kerosene lamps. They were nice but they were not bright. The only way I could stand the evenings after he turned our inverter off for the day was to read on my kindle. I carried a flashlight constantly. I still have the same flashlight which is charged by sunshine. I remember spending time reading magazines at the kitchen table with two big kerosene lamps. Kerosene lamps were a lot of work. Plus the fact that they smelled. I got used to it but odors and smoke really bother me. So it took some time. 

Living Room Area

In my home now which is a small studio apartment, I rarely think about not having enough light. I have four lamps and two overhead lights in the main part of the apartment. The kitchen has one big overhead  light and one smaller one over the sink and one on the stove hood. The bathroom has one overhead light and a second one that is not very bright. Of course, the one over the mirror and sink is very bright and good for putting on make-up.

My Kindle

If you have never lived with limited lighting you don't really think about it. It is not something I would want to do again. Or not having running water, but that is another story. For one thing I don't think it is good for your eyes to be in the dark all the time. Trying to do different tasks in the dark was hard for me. I read books aloud in the evening to pass the time until bedtime but I had to use a flashlight. After I got the Kindle I was able to read without the flashlight. 

My Roommate!

In the morning I usually have two lamps on and the overhead light while sitting here at my computer. Since I have no reason to struggle without electric lights any longer I don't. My computer is well lit but I like the extra lights. Once the sun comes up my apartment is flooded with light. The sun not only lights my apartment but heats it as well (whether I want it or not). Since I suffer with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) not having to deal with kerosene lamps, wood stoves or batteries charging has been a big improvement for me. Back then I didn't know it was an actual condition. Now I can deal with it since I have learned much about it.

Fairy lights above the cupboards along the vase collection

As you age, lighting is really an important element of safety in a home. So called "experts" say it is good for you to sleep in the dark with no lights of any kind. Not for me! I have two strings of fairy lights here. One is in the kitchen on top of my cupboards. They are always on and I consider them my night light. I can get up during the night and see where I am going. I feel safer having some kind of lights on during the night. Knock on wood, but I have never fallen. It is my biggest fear especially how I would manage to get up off the floor. The emergency squad is always coming here to my apartment building to help someone who has fallen. It is a common occurrence at a senior living residence. Better to be safe than sorry later.

Copyright © 2024 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2024  Kathleen G. Lupole

Living In Norwich, NY

Norwich, NY

When choosing where to move when I left my homestead I chose the small city of Norwich (NY) because I was familiar with it. It is more like a small town than a city but everyone refers to it as a city and it is the county seat. My apartment building is centrally located so I knew if I lived there I could get to stores, library, restaurants, movie theater and the county office building without a car. I knew I did not want the expense or headache of owning one. It has a county bus system and one of its stops is right at my building. There are a couple of taxi services as well. So having that in mind when I moved really helped me choose this apartment building. I wanted to have as much independence as possible. 

Norwich Senior Housing

Even though the apartment building I live in is called senior living (which includes disabled people of all ages as well), it is not the same as assisted living. Sometimes I think the people living here want it to be that way. No, you are renting an apartment just like any other apartment building. It is subsidized which the amount you pay for rent is based on your income. There is also assistance available for utilities and food but you have to apply for those yourself. It has nothing to do with the building. Lately they have rented apartments to disabled people who break rules because they cannot read the notices or understand them. Makes me think this was really not a good choice for them or they need a little assistance getting settled in. Sometimes such a person is embarrassed to admit they can't read or understand something so it is hard to offer help to them. 

Living here gives me the choice to do what I want when I want. I don't have to take part in any activities if I choose not to. Though the activities in our building came to a halt back in 2020. Occasionally we have Bingo but not on a regular basis. I have always been an introvert so spending my time alone is what I like to do. I am always busy with something and I never have that feeling of loneliness. I admit to spending a good share of time on the computer but have been making an effort to get outside more often. Especially while we have nice weather. Some other senior apartment buildings around here offer many more activities to their tenants. I believe that is due to their management company being more interested in their renters than our management is. I would be thankful if they would just keep our elevator running and replace the washing machines and dryers in the laundry room.

I watch decorating shows on YouTube constantly and love making changes in my apartment. Since the tiny house movement started some years back there are a lot of new options for anyone choosing to live small. Some of the tiny houses are smaller than my 338 square foot studio apartment. I love open floor plans and that is what I have here. It was perfect for me and my house bunny, Rabbit. Even though it is a small studio apartment, it has a kitchen for a serious cook. That was important to me and I use it daily. The bathroom is quite large for a studio also. I have room to keep my mobility chair in it. So I really have no complaints and work hard to make my apartment a home, not just a place to sleep and eat. 

Peaceful Forest Homestead

Yes, I never dreamed I would be forced to leave my homesteading life. There were so many factors that forced that decision and I am sure I have mentioned them on previous blogs. Debt was one of them. Also the decline I was having in my ability to walk made me dread being immobilized and living without running water among other things. I never felt secure there. Now I do. I was thrilled to move here a little over five years ago and I still am. 

Copyright © 2023 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2023  Kathleen G. Lupole

Sounds Of The City

Downtown near my apartment!

The sounds of the city at night are different than what I was used to. Living in the forest for so many years, I got used to the sounds of the night, which were not always pleasant. Coyotes, owls, the occasional scream of an animal being grabbed by the owls. Then their familiar hoot hoot after they got it. You get used to those things. Hearing my horses crunching their hay or walking around trying to avoid being bitten by thousands of bugs, looking to feast on fresh horse flesh. I would be lying if I said I don't miss it at all. Yes, when I lay in bed at night, sometimes I miss the night sounds of the forest. Not of the animals killing other animals, but the general sounds of the night. 

Pretty quiet here most of the day!

Here in my apartment, living in the downtown area of a small city, it is not as loud as you might think. It is pretty quiet here for a city. The sirens from fire trucks, police cars and ambulances are not heard as often as most people associate with living in a city. I remember when my son lived in a city about 35 miles from me, and when I would talk to him on the phone, that is all I heard. Sirens. Constantly. I figured I would have to get used to it. The alternative was to stay put and that was not the option I wanted. So I figured I could play music all the time to drown the city sounds out. It has not been bad at all. On week-ends I hear people out and about as they come out of the restaurants and bars nearby. One of the bars plays live music, but to me it sounds good. I love listening to it!

Taxi cab in parking lot

Living in the country when you do not have a vehicle to drive makes it difficult. you live in a city. I have been fortunate to have a friend who will take me to the store or to my doctor's appointments. If I had to, there are other ways get around here. Public transportation is easy to use. The city transit bus comes right to the door of my building several times a day. I am planning on stepping out of my comfort zone one of these days, before winter comes and take that bus to Wal-Mart. There are also taxis and they have their phone number posted on almost every store window along the main street. And then of course, I can walk pretty good some days with my rolling walker. If I get tired I can sit on the seat of the walker.

Rabbit taking some hay out of his cage!

Life was harder in the country. Living here in an apartment has been a good change for me. I am much happier and not bored at all. I still do not have a television, nor do I want one. I am a computer person and enjoy reading and listening to music as well. I have been working to get all settled in and I am still not done with all that yet. I have another load of things to get from the house. I will get them all organized and then can get on with other things I had plans for. I am not giving up some projects I used to do. I am planning on getting my canning equipment and either I will use it or sell it. I am not keeping anything that I do not use. Maybe I will do a little bit of canning in small amounts. I'll see.

Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole

Studio Apartment Decor

I love bright colors in my home!

I am still in the process of getting settled in my small studio apartment, kat's Studio, as I have named it. What I really like about such a small space is that it forces you to weed out that excess. Those things you have stored for years, but never used or took out to look at. One of the main objectives of kat's Studio, is for me to wake up in the morning and smile. To walk in the door after a day out, to see the appearance of my apartment and smile. At night when I am going to sleep, the lights from outside, even the moon at times, shining in my very large windows onto my ceiling, make me smile. I thank God every night, for bringing me to this place.........my home. I love it and love every day of living here. So I am trying to make it appealing in every way..........to who? To me! It is ALL ABOUT ME!!!!

My dresser defines my private mini bedroom

Since it is a studio apartment which is very small, I had to be smart in designing it to appear larger so I didn't feel crowded in. The two things that make my space here work is the large windows, which are tall as well as wide. The other being the extremely high ceilings directly in front of the windows. The walls being painted white also help give the illusion of more space. Instead of setting my large dresser against a wall, I have placed it so it creates a small bedroom behind it. That idea which I found on Pinterest, works well. At night when I am in my bed reading on my Kindle, as I do most nights, it feels cozy in there. Private. Rabbit's cage is close to my bed, but that gives me more time with him.  Last night, in fact, I had him on my bed with me for a few minutes, giving him nose and ear rubs.

My mini bedroom

When I was making my plans to move into this small studio apartment, I thought I would have to stick with my small twin bed, that I had been using for the last five years. But once I was in here and had my space set up, I saw that a double/full sized bed would work. Off I went to buy a new bed. I like it a lot! That little bit of extra room is much more comfortable than the little bed was. I loved that little bed and it wasn't an easy decision to give it up. I had a 4" memory foam topper on it and wow, that made such a difference. So I was a little nervous about the change, But my new bed is very comfortable and has the memory foam built in. I love the extra room!

The "pass through" to the kitchen

My mini bedroom, as I like to call it, has the "pass through" over the bed that is over the sink in the kitchen. I love it! I can just put things on that to take into the kitchen or bedroom, depending on which side I am on. Another thing about this mini bedroom is that when someone comes to my door and even if they come in the entrance way, they cannot see my bed or vanity or Rabbit's cage. It is very private. It is hard to have a private spot in a studio apartment of this size. I have done it though and like I said, it is very cozy and comfortable. I like using colors to brighten up the white walls. Nothing that I have has costed me very much money, which goes along with my frugal way of living.

Love my high ceilings!

The high ceiling is what makes this small apartment seem much larger. I am not certain if the other apartments all have that or not. I have only been in a couple of other ones and one across the hall did have that spacious space also. So maybe they all do. Soon I will have all the work done of organizing it and my storage locker downstairs. I do not want to move from this apartment to a larger one anytime in the future. It is the best apartment as far as I am concerned. I am always working on it and probably always will.

Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole

All Photographs Copyright © 2018 Kathleen G. Lupole