Aging can be a beautiful process, but it’s also full of its own unique challenges. For a growing segment of adults, the aging process can feel even more complicated. These adults fall into the category of “solo agers,” or adults aging alone. They will need to make decisions about their future without the support of spouses, children, or close relatives.

If this sounds like you, you don’t have to fear aging alone. Creating a plan is key to enjoying a full, rich life as a solo ager. When you have a plan, you can be more free to live in the present moment, creating beautiful memories and being less overcome with anxiety or stress because there will be less wonder about how you will handle emergencies or health crises in the future. If you hope to remain independent well into your 70s, 80s, and beyond, familiarize yourself with the importance of planning for solo aging and start taking action today.

Who Is Considered a Solo Ager?

Solo agers are adults who are facing a future of aging alone. These adults may include individuals or couples without children, people who never married, individuals who lost a spouse to divorce or death, and people who are estranged from their children or live far away from them. It’s important to note that some individuals do not intend to age alone but still find themselves navigating senior life as a solo ager. The best way to make the most of life as an independent older adult is to plan for your home, finances, medical needs, and social community before your health declines.

Why It’s Important to Start Planning for Solo Aging Early

If you’ve ever experienced a crisis, you know how challenging it can be to make decisions in the heat of the moment. As you age, you will need to be able to make definitive decisions regarding your financial, emotional, and physical health. Sometimes, you may need to do this under extreme pressure. Give yourself some peace of mind by planning for solo aging now. When you plan ahead, it can be much easier and less stressful to get things done, even during a crisis.

How to Plan for Solo Aging

Solo agers need to consider an array of factors as they plan for the future. While they are still healthy and strong of mind, they should consider where they would like to live, how they will receive care if needed, and how they will build and maintain friendships — among other considerations! If you’re looking forward to aging alone and independently, set yourself up for success by creating a plan with these facets in mind:

• Location: Where will you live? Would you like to age in place (stay in your current home) or move to a new community with extra support, such as a continuing care retirement community?
• Home Modifications: If you decide to age in place, will your home be able to accommodate your needs? Will you need to add modifications to make your house more accessible?
• Financial Planning: Will your financial situation support the lifestyle you have in mind as a solo ager? Will you be able to afford care if you need it? If navigating the landscape of your finances seems daunting, consider joining Friends Life Care for long-term senior financial planning assistance.
• Legal Planning: Do you have an Advance Directive or Financial Power of Attorney (POA)? A POA will oversee your decisions and estate if you are not able to do so yourself.
• Medical Planning: Are there any health conditions that run in your family that you should plan for? Do you have someone (a friend or attorney) who can act as a healthcare proxy?
• Social Life: Are you in any clubs or organizations where you can build strong support systems as you navigate life as a solo ager? Having close relationships with friends is important to remain emotionally healthy as you age.

Start Planning for Your Life as a Solo Ager With the Help of Friends Life Care

At Friends Life Care, we are committed to helping individuals and couples age comfortably within their own homes. We offer a range of services to help our members prepare for senior life, whether they are solo agers or not. For more information about our senior retirement planning solutions and how a membership can benefit you, reach out to our Plan Counselors today!