Today, roughly 22 million older adults live alone, and 30% do so without the support of children or other family. In 2024, a new awareness day was added to the calendar — the third Wednesday in May is Solo Agers Visibility (SAVvy) Day. Falling in the middle of Older Americans Month (May), SAVvy Day recognizes and draws awareness to the many seniors navigating their later years without the support of a spouse or children.
The History Behind Today’s Rise in Solo Aging
According to the 2020 US Census, about 27% of adults aged 60 and older live alone, about double the average for the rest of the world. The cause? A shift in priorities and life goals.
In the 60’s and 70’s, many women gained reliable access to birth control, giving them more control over their reproductive health and family planning goals. Around the same time, many industries became open for women, including medicine, engineering, and law. All together, women in the Baby Boom Generation had a greater degree of autonomy in deciding their future and form of independence. Divorce also lost some of its social stigma, and no-fault divorces started being introduced throughout the states.
In more recent times, it’s also become more common for children to settle apart from their parents, relocating to different cities, states, or even countries for career opportunities or to start their own families. For the parents of these children, the Solo Agers, they are now having to navigate retirement without the support of local children, leading to modern-day challenges and new needs.
You Don’t Have to Be Alone
Just because you or someone you know is living without a spouse or children, it doesn’t mean you’re alone. Community, friends, and neighbors can all be an amazing support system throughout your retirement. Senior living communities give you access to all these and more.
One of the most prominent concerns for Solo Agers is the risk of loneliness or isolation. Retirement communities like Moldaw in Palo Alto, CA, give you access to a wide range of programming and social opportunities. And the best part? The friends you make are your neighbors, right in your own community!
Another challenge for Solo Agers is navigating health or caregiving support. Whether it’s rehab after a surgery or a change in your abilities as you age, having reliable health services is an important part of aging successfully. For those who, for one reason or another, cannot rely on a spouse or local loved ones (or need a higher level of support), senior living communities offer a solution. Moldaw offers continuing care for their Independent Living Residents, including Assisted Living and Memory Care options, as well as a robust Rehabilitation Program. Residents can rest easy knowing that if their needs change, they’ll find the support they need right on campus.
Estate Planning
Lastly, a key consideration for Solo Agers is your future legal support. If down the road you need someone to make decisions on your behalf, it’s crucial to have everything prepared well in advance.
While estate planning does include your personal assets, and who will be the future beneficiary, it also includes Power of Attorney, your healthcare agent, and any end-of-life wishes. Elder law professionals can help you navigate all these and more, as well as advise you on the unique needs of estate planning as a Solo Ager.
Find Your Community Today
Discover a vibrant community with easy access to a larger multi-generational campus! Located on the Taube Koret Campus and neighbors with the Oshman Family JCC, Moldaw residents enjoy a unique, intergenerational community with a rich social calendar, dynamic programming, and wide range of amenities. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour to see our community in person!
