Today more Americans are single, fewer are having children and the older adult population is on the rise which leads to another demographic that is increasing: Solo Agers. The current life expectancy rate in the U.S. is currently 77 years. According to the Census Bureau, about 27% or 22.1 million older adults aged 60 or older live alone and are childless.1
This group may not have immediate family to lean on so the need for early planning to maintain choice, independence, and well-being throughout later life is consequential.
Am I a Solo Ager? You might be if you are...
- An individual or couple without children
- An individual who never married or had children
- An individual living alone since the divorce or death of a partner
- An individual or couple whose children or relatives live far away or are estranged2
According to the Mather Institute, who recently conducted a study comparing solo agers and supported agers found that solo agers reported lower life satisfaction and mental health. Maintaining independence and mobility remained top concerns. Solo agers took the same planning steps a supported agers in preparing for the future, except plans related to identifying caregivers.1
While there is great freedom and joy in solo aging there can be some unique challenges related to planning for social support and caregiving as a solo ager. Many times spouses are the first person in line to step up into a caregiving role. If there is a lack of immediate family members or close relatives to depend on as we get older, having a plan is crucial for home, finances, health care and social decisions. Instead of immediate family, solo agers may need to rely on friends, neighbors, and community organization. Don't wait until the first emergency arises. Take time and set up a social network as well as a health care team and make plans for finances and home that at some point will include critical legal decisions.
- Maintain physical activity and eat nutritious meals to maintain mobility and health.
- Engage in self-care for well-being like taking a walk in the woods, mindful meditation, learning something new and other hobbies.
- Make plans for the future that include social networks, finances, health care, home and legal considerations. If you plan to age in place your home may need some renovations and transportation may be limited, needing additional strategies.
- Start fostering a social support network including friends, neighbors and community organizations.
- Engage in a brain healthy lifestyle to prevent cognitive decline.
As more older adults find themselves solo aging, available resources to support them are also evolving. You many find information at the following websites:
- Advance Care Planning The National Institute on Aging Advanced Care articles help to learn more about advance directives, choosing a health care proxy, and other ways to get your affairs in order.
- AARP offers information about what a power of attorney is and how to put documentation in place. Free Advance Directives by State
- The Navigating Solo Network offers educational resources, advocacy initiatives and opportunities to connect with other solo agers.
- UNH Extension Health & Well-Being offers classes and resources for physical, brain, and mental health, nutrition and recipe cards to promote well-being and health eating.
- FLYING SOLO: Experiences of Older Adults Who Are Aging Alone. Retrieved October 8, 2024: https://www.matherinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MI_FlyingSoloReport_FNL.pdf
- Partnerships in Aging. UNC. Retrieved October 8, 2024: https://partnershipsinaging.unc.edu/past-initiatives/solo-agers
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