Facing aging on your own—being a “solo ager”—can be both a challenge and a pleasure, depending upon how you approach the journey ahead. What’s important to remember is you are not really all on your own, as there are many life-enhancing benefits that are out there for you…particularly if you opt for a lifestyle filled with engagement and connection.
What is a solo ager?
Solo agers are seniors without life partners and children who are experiencing aging as a party of one. Perhaps you always planned to retire solo. Or maybe you and your life partner parted ways, or they have passed away. Or maybe you just never found that special person with whom to share the retirement experience.
Whatever brought you here, it’s helpful to know that you are part of a growing demographic. And you most definitely are not alone!
Solo agers are more numerous than you might think
- According to AARP, around 12% of adults over age 50 are aging solo, which they define as adults without long-term partners or children.
- 27% of American adults aged 60 and older are aging solo, and older adults in the U.S. are more likely to live alone than anywhere else in the world.
- Between 1940 and 2020, the percentage of one-person households tripled in this country, based on data analyzed by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Why the increase? Here are a few factors:
- Since 1980, there has been a 50 percent increase in unmarried adults.
- An estimated 16.6% of American adults over 55 do not have children and that number is expected to increase.
- By 2030, 1 in 5 Americans is expected to be retirement age.
As you can see, if you’re a solo ager, you’re in good company. You are free to follow your own path and make decisions without consulting anyone else if you choose. However, like just about anything else in life, there are drawbacks.
Download our free guide:
Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit.
Risks solo agers may face
Isolation is one risk that can have serious negative effects on a person’s emotional, mental, and physical health. Some of these include premature death, dementia, heart attack and stroke, and even hospitalizations and ER visits.
The problem is that often a solo ager is not socially isolated, but can become that way over time, as age-related health declines and there is no one to rely upon for assistance. But there are ways to combat the threat of isolation.
How can you as a solo ager overcome the risks and thrive?
For sure, it’s important to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods, exercising, getting seven to nine hours of good sleep, and keeping your mind active through activities and learning opportunities.
Another important strategy is to get involved in things that have meaning for you and allow you to connect with others. Such as participating in a volunteer project. Mentoring a young person. Anything that gives you a sense of purpose and belonging, which is vital for healthy aging.
If you have an extended family, it’s only natural to hope they will be there to help care for you as you grow older. However, this often is not the case, as family members can be spending their time working on careers, caring for their children, or taking care of their own chronic health conditions. They also might not live in the same area as you.
Senior living can be an answer. Instead of depending upon loved ones to attend to your needs, you’ll have a team of professionals dedicated to supporting your health, happiness, and well-being. And you’ll benefit from a lifestyle of engagement and connection.
At St. Mark Village, we welcome solo agers with open arms!
Create the lifestyle you’ve always wanted, surrounded by more friends and more opportunities to pursue your passions. A not-for-profit life care community in Pinellas County, St. Mark Village offers you wellness of the body, mind, and spirit.
Here, you can be as active and involved as you choose, benefiting from a lifestyle that supports you in every way, with seamless access to future care options.
Simple, carefree living has never been so much fun. Just ask our residents, because they love it here!
Live well during retirement in the Tampa Bay area. Download our free guide: Senior Living Options – A Guide for Understanding Which Level of Care is the Best Fit. Or contact us. We’d love to hear from you.
