Solo Aging and Retirement: How to Plan for Your Future

Are you nearing retirement age or already retired and thinking about your future? Someone may have asked you how you feel about being a Solo Ager. What is aging solo and how does it impact your retirement plans? 

As baby boomers grow older, many find themselves retiring alone. Today, a Pew Research Study shows that 27% of those 60 and older live on their own. The number increases, particularly among women, as they age. By 75, about 44% of women live alone. And almost 1 in 5 boomer women never had children, meaning there are no younger generations to help should they require assistance. Solo aging and retirement are something you can plan for now, before there is a crisis. 

The Joys and Trials of Retiring Alone

Solo aging is not considered a negative by most retirees. A 2023 AARP study shows that solo aging leads to feeling more independent, more satisfied and happier. After retirement, you can have the opportunity to live your dreams. You might develop new hobbies, travel and find ways to make a difference in your community. 

It is essential, however, to acknowledge there can be concerns and setbacks as you age. Some concerns discussed in the AARP study include:

• Physical injuries that make it harder to live alone without assistance
• Poor health
• Memory loss
• Feeling isolated

What is the key to successfully aging solo? Being prepared. The University of North Carolina’s Partnerships in Aging Program stresses that early planning is crucial for aging well. UNC refers to this planning as being the “CEO of Your Aging Process.” You need a team to help with housing, finances, medical concerns and maintaining social connections. 

As part of the UNC program, the team discussed aging solo with several seniors. One respondent, Patricia, expressed her concerns: “Since the inability to provide for oneself can be just an accident or illness away, planning for the loss of independence may be the most important task for a Solo Ager.” 

Preparing for Solo Aging and Retirement

While the single best thing Solo Agers can do is plan for the future, most have yet to craft that plan. In fact, 95% of solo agers have not reserved a place in a community for older adults. One of the best things you can consider for solo aging is a Life Plan Community, also called a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). 

A Life Plan Community gives you the independent lifestyle you love today while offering the peace of mind that you will have assistance should you need it in the future. For example, FellowshipLIFE Communities offer active independent living and resort-style amenities, with options for Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Sub-acute Rehabilitation. 

What a Life Plan Community Offers for Those Retiring Alone

A Life Plan Community lets you live your best life after you retire. You can embrace the benefits of solo aging: 

• Live independently in your own cottage or apartment
• Enjoy life more with maintenance-free living
• Personalize your retirement with the many amenities, from 5-star dining and entertainment to state-of-the-art fitness facilities and classes to help you develop a new hobby

At FellowshipLIFE, we understand the importance of meeting your concerns as a Solo Ager. Someone is always available to offer additional assistance should you sustain even a temporary injury. Our caring staff understands how to work with you should you begin to have memory loss. And there is never a reason to feel isolated in our warm, welcoming communities. Having friends and connecting with others is crucial to maintaining a healthy life after retirement. You can make those connections with opportunities for mixing and mingling — as much or as little as you want. 

No one has a crystal ball, but when you plan for the future by choosing a Life Plan Community, you can rest assured your wishes are met in your forever home that adapts to your needs. We invite you to explore our communities and book a tour to see how we can enhance your solo aging and ensure your retirement is the one you have always imagined.