Retirement Planning for Solo Seniors
Of the 22 million older adults who live on their own, 30% don’t have children or close family nearby. In 2024, a new day of recognition was established on the third Wednesday of May: Solo Agers Visibility Day, coinciding with Older Americans Month, to draw attention to seniors aging without the support of family. Keep reading to learn more about essential retirement planning for solo agers and how to enhance your social life if you’re aging solo.
The History Behind Today’s Increase in Solo Agers
Of adults aged 60 and older, roughly 27% live alone according to the 2020 U.S. Census — nearly double the global average. Decades of cultural and societal change are behind this shift.
During the 1960s and ’70s, widespread access to reliable contraception gave women greater control over their reproductive health and family decisions. Simultaneously, new professional doors opened for them across fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. These advances gave many women of the Baby Boomer generation more independence and the freedom to chart their own paths.
For both men and women, there was more latitude to decide when and if parenthood fit into their plans. Divorce, too, lost much of its social stigma, and the introduction of no-fault divorce laws made it easier to leave unhappy marriages.
In recent decades, more adult children have also relocated to pursue careers or establish their own families elsewhere. For their parents, this can mean stepping into retirement without nearby family. Solo agers today navigate distinct challenges that modern senior living communities can solve: connection, planning, and support.
Aging Alone Together
One of the most common worries for solo agers is isolation, but living alone doesn’t have to mean living without community or care. Neighbors, friendships, and community all offer genuine companionship and hands-on help if needed. Independent senior living communities like Porters Neck Village in Wilmington, NC, are built with exactly this in mind, creating welcoming, social environments where residents can experience what it truly means to be aging alone together.
Managing health and caregiving needs can become more complex with time. Whether you’re recovering from a procedure, adjusting to new health realities, or adapting to changes in your abilities, having dependable and compassionate care nearby matters enormously. Porters Neck Village’s continuum of care offers home care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and more with our special partnership with The Davis Community located next door.
If you’re not quite ready to make the move to an independent senior living community, but want to experience the social perks and exclusive benefits at Porters Neck Village, join our Passport Club! You can dine with us, attend Village Events, sample our luxury amenities, and get to know our active community, all before moving in.
Estate Planning
Among the most important considerations in retirement planning for solo agers are legal and healthcare arrangements for the future. Should there come a time when someone else needs to make decisions on your behalf, having documented plans in place ensures your voice is still heard.
Estate planning extends well beyond asset distribution and naming beneficiaries. It involves assigning a Power of Attorney, designating a healthcare agent, and documenting end-of-life preferences. Making these decisions ahead of time is important both for you and the people who care about you. Elder law professionals can walk you through the process with guidance tailored to your circumstances and ensure you’re ready for whatever lies ahead.
Discover Aging Alone Together at Porters Neck Village
Located in Wilmington, NC, Porters Neck Village is a luxury coastal senior living destination. Our elevated amenities and services empower residents to embrace life’s natural flow in a welcoming and active environment. Fill your days with social clubs, outdoor activities, and the freedom to live your life exactly as you like. Contact us today to learn more and explore Porters Neck Village for yourself.
