Retirement Planning for Solo Agers

Currently, approximately 22 million older adults live on their own, and nearly 30% of them do so without nearby children or family to assist. That’s one of the reasons why, in 2024, a new observance was introduced: Solo Agers Visibility (SAVvy) Day, recognized on the third Wednesday in May. Coinciding with Older Americans Month, SAVvy Day shines a light on solo agers navigating their later years without the support of a spouse or children. Continue reading to explore what it means to be aging solo and discover essential retirement planning for solo agers.

The History Behind Today’s Solo Aging Trends

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, about 27% of adults age 60 and older live alone — nearly twice the global average. What’s driving this trend? Shifting values and evolving life choices, which together have contributed to living alone in retirement.

During the 1960s and 70s, the arrival of reliable birth control gave women more control over reproductive decisions and family planning. At the same time, new career opportunities for women opened in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. These changes granted Baby Boomer women greater independence and freedom to shape their futures while also giving both men and women more say over when, or whether, to have children. Additionally, divorce became less stigmatized, and no-fault divorce laws made it easier to leave unhappy marriages.

In more recent years, it has also become increasingly common for adult children to relocate for careers or to start families of their own. For parents, this can mean entering retirement without close family nearby. As a result, today’s solo agers face unique challenges that call for fresh approaches to connection, planning, and care.

Aging Alone Together

Living without a spouse or children doesn’t mean living without support. Friends, neighbors, and community networks can provide connection and care throughout your retirement years — and senior living communities offer all this and more for those who are aging alone together.

One of the top concerns for solo agers is the potential for isolation. Retirement communities like Wesley Pines in Lumberton, NC, provide built-in opportunities for face-to-face connections through social programs, shared dining, and an active events calendar. Best of all, friendships grow among neighbors who live just steps away.

Health and caregiving needs often become more complex with age. Whether recovering from a medical procedure or managing ongoing health concerns, having dependable, accessible care is essential. For those living alone in retirement or seeking additional peace of mind, senior living communities provide security and a sense of belonging. At Wesley Pines, residents have access to a full continuum of care, including Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, and on-site Rehab Services.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) like Wesley Pines help ensure you remain in the community you love while receiving the appropriate level of care if your needs evolve.

Estate Planning

For solo agers, establishing a strong plan for future legal and healthcare decisions is especially important. Should a time come when you’re unable to communicate or act for yourself, these preparations ensure your wishes are respected.

Estate planning extends beyond distributing assets. It includes designating a Power of Attorney, selecting a healthcare proxy, and recording your end-of-life preferences — all of which provide clarity and reassurance for you and your loved ones. Working with an elder law attorney can guide you through the process, offering advice tailored to the unique needs of solo agers and helping ensure you are well-prepared for whatever the future holds.

Find a Supportive, Dynamic Community Today

Discover a lively lifestyle within a warm, welcoming environment! Located in Lumberton, North Carolina, Wesley Pines is a close-knit retirement community filled with engaging activities, robust amenities, communal spaces, and natural beauty like our walking trails and forest-shaded paths. Contact us to learn more or schedule a personal tour!