May ’26 Senior Resources Guide: Aging Solo

by Suzanne Pollak, JCA Senior Writer

A Roadmap for Those Aging Solo

There are many things people need to consider as they grow older. Should they move to a smaller house or an assisted living facility? What do they want to include in their will and end-of-life documents? Do they have enough money to retire? To whom should they grant power of attorney?

Sitting down and discussing these matters with a spouse or adult child can ease the process. But what if there is no one? What if they are aging solo?

Quite simply, solo aging is defined as someone who is 50 years or older, not married, without living children, and residing alone. Someone aging solo also may have adult children or relatives, but they are no longer in contact.

A solo ager can also be a person who is the sole caregiver for their spouse or with dementia, or a lifelong single person who has retired to a new area where they don’t know anyone.

Not everyone has someone close enough to trust with personal information and decisions. But that in no way means that solo agers are lonely. They may have a job, be active in the community, or spend time regularly with others when they hike, play cards, or travel. It is just that, when it comes down to having a close person to ask for guidance or help, they may be at a loss.

There is good news. Finding someone to turn to may not be as difficult as they think. After all, they have managed to live a full life without a spouse, siblings, or children.

>>Read the full guide