Editorial

Solo Agers: A Growing Demographic

By Jennifer Smith | February 4, 2025

Editor’s Note: This article was written and submitted by senior-living executive Jennifer L. Smith, PhD. If you are a senior-living executive at an organization or a community with an idea for an article that you’d like to write and publish in Senior Living News you’re welcome to submit your idea or written article to Jim Nelson at jnelson@seniorlivingnews.com. We welcome all ideas relating to senior living.

An increasing number of older adults are navigating their later years on their own. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2021), there are approximately 22 million adults age 55+ who live alone in America, and an estimated 28 percent of them are childless. To understand more about their unique needs, Mather Institute conducted an online survey with 183 solo agers about their concerns related to aging and preparations for the future. Solo agers were defined as those who are age 55+, not married, live alone, and without an adult child they can rely on as they get older.

Solo agers have a wide range of concerns, but their most pressing are similar to those of other older adults and involve maintaining their autonomy:

  • 82 percent were somewhat/extremely concerned with maintaining their mobility
  • 69 percent were somewhat/extremely concerned with their independence as they age
  • 57 percent were somewhat/extremely concerned about staying mentally engaged
  • 48 percent were somewhat/extremely concerned about maintaining social connections

Approximately one-quarter of solo agers indicated that they live more than an hour away from a friend or relative they can rely on for support. Unpaid family caregivers, who are often adult children or spouses, are a substantial source of at-home care for older adults in the United States. Solo agers do not have this traditional safety net in place when healthcare problems arise, and they may need to rely more on paid caregiving. It’s important that solo agers have a plan in place as to who will make healthcare and financial decisions on their behalf if the need arises.

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Preparations Needed for the Future

Many of the solo agers from the study have started to prepare for their future:

  • 57 percent of solo agers discussed future wishes with friends and family (36 percent plan to in the future)
  • 49 percent identified a power of attorney (39 percent plan to in the future)
  • 43 percent selected a healthcare advocate (47 percent plan to in the future).

However, only 16 percent of respondents have already identified caregivers and made plans for future caregiving, and more than half plan to decide this in the future. Surprisingly, 31 percent of solo agers surveyed indicated they aren’t intending to make plans about their future care. This is noteworthy because the Department of Health and Human Services (2023) estimates that more than half of adults 65+ will require some type of paid long-term services and support, such as assistance with everyday activities like bathing or eating.

A sizeable portion of solo agers also indicated they aren’t planning to modify their home (22 percent) or identify potential future housing (23 percent). This is a concern because their residence may not be equipped to meet their changing needs as they age. Findings from AARP indicate that three-quarters of adults age 50+ prefer to age in place and remain in their own home. However, research from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University estimated that only 4 percent of homes in the US meet three key aspects of accessible housing: a single-level living space with a no-step entry and wide hallways and doors. Home modifications, such as handrails and grab bars, non-slip flooring, and accessible doorknobs and cabinet pulls, can support older adults’ ability to age in place safely. Proactively making these changes may prevent injuries and may help avoid a situation where a solo ager needs to manage home modifications while recovering from a health crisis.

Solo Aging within Senior Living Communities

Moving to a senior living community may be particularly beneficial for solo agers because of the constellation of available services. Senior living professionals are available to handle home maintenance, snow removal, landscaping, housekeeping, transportation, and cooking, among other services. Solo agers are at risk of social isolation because they live alone, and senior living communities provide abundant opportunities for social activities and participation in other programs and events. Mather Institute’s Age Well Study found that residents of life plan communities engaged in more frequent social contact and intellectual activities compared with community-dwelling older adults. Furthermore, life plan communities enable residents to transition from independent living to higher levels of care if needed, which supports solo agers’ ability to plan for their future needs.

It’s important for senior living providers to assess whether any additional programs and services would be helpful to address the unique needs of solo agers. For instance, consider whether dining spaces are comfortably set up to welcome and integrate solo diners. Additional bereavement and social support may be needed by residents who become solo agers late in life due to the loss of a spouse or child. In addition, informational sessions on topics such as advance care planning and legacy planning may help solo agers ensure they have their desired plans in place.

Strategies for Solo Aging

As an example, some residents of Splendido, a Mather life plan community in Tucson, Arizona, formed a group called “Splendido Solos,” which offers solo agers and other singles unique opportunities to connect and learn together. Based on their input, a table at one of the restaurants is dedicated to solo residents who would like to dine with one another, and Splendido Solos also sponsored a cabaret. Organizers of the group shared their ideas for future events and programs. Resident Ellie Cannan expressed an interest in travel opportunities, saying, “I want to have someone with whom I can share the experience and enthusiasm.” In addition, fellow resident Scott Bauman explained, “Single people have different types of planning to do. We might bring in presenters on financial planning or estate planning.”

A greater number of older adults are aging solo, without an adult child or spouse to rely on if they are in need of care. It’s important for solo agers to plan ahead for their future needs, including cultivating a strong network of friends and neighbors and identifying delegates for healthcare and financial decision making. In addition, solo agers may prolong their ability to live independently by staying physically active and maintaining their health, being engaged in social and community activities, and making home modifications that increase the comfort and safety of their living spaces.

Mather Institute published a research brief on our findings regarding solo agers. A complimentary copy of Flying Solo: Experiences of Older Adults Who Are Aging Alone can be downloaded from our website.

This article has been lightly edited for style and clarity.

Credit

Jennifer Smith
Guest Columnist

Jennifer L. Smith, PhD, is assistant vice president and director of Mather Institute. She holds a doctorate degree in Social Psychology from Loyola University Chicago. For almost 12 years, Dr. Smith has contributed to Mather’s mission of creating Ways to Age Well by conducting research on ways to enhance psychological wellbeing and positive aging in older adults. She has published more than 20 journal articles and book chapters on topics such as strategies for savoring positive experiences, resilience, and perceptions of aging.

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