What Is Solo Aging?

Solo aging refers to the process of growing older without a spouse, partner, or adult children to rely on for help or decision-making. Often referred to as “elder orphans,” solo agers are a growing demographic. AARP reports that about 12–16% of adults over 50 in the U.S. are childless and living alone. Without a family safety net, planning ahead for care, finances, and daily support becomes more important than ever.

 

Why Solo Aging Is on the Rise

A few social trends are driving this change:

  • Fewer marriages, more single or divorced older adults. Some choose not to marry or have children, while others outlive their partners.
  • Longer lifespans mean more time spent alone after a spouse is gone.
  • Families are scattered. Adult children often live far away, making daily care and companionship harder.

These shifts are reshaping aging and highlight the need for proactive planning and community connections.

 

Challenges Solo Agers Often Face

Health Care Decisions

Without a spouse or child nearby, health emergencies can be complicated. The National Institute on Aging suggests creating advance directives and naming a trusted healthcare proxy to prevent confusion.

 

Loneliness and Social Isolation

Around 1 in 3 adults report feeling lonely, and roughly 25% say they lack emotional support. Loneliness and isolation dramatically affect health, raising the likelihood of depression, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even premature death by 29–32%.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General, calls loneliness a public health crisis comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

 

Daily Life and Mobility

Tasks like grocery shopping, house upkeep, driving, and attending appointments can become difficult, especially without family close by.

 

Legal and Financial Planning

Without built-in support, it’s critical to have a will, power of attorney, financial plans, and long-term care strategies.   stresses that solo agers must treat retirement as if they’ll be entirely on their own.

 

How to Plan Ahead for Solo Aging

Build Your Support System

Deepening friendships and community involvement helps create a “chosen family” that offers social and practical support.

 

Stay On Top of Legal & Financial Docs

Wills, power of attorney, and advance care directives should be up to date, accessible, and shared with trusted advisors.

 

Prioritize Health and Mobility

Regular checkups, activity, and home safety modifications help maintain independence and prevent accidents.

 

Look into Professional and Community Help

Services like Villi Companions and community programs are valuable when family isn’t nearby.

 

How Villi Companions Make a Difference

A Companion from Villi can help with everyday tasks like errands, meal prep, light household chores, laundry, and organizing. But they also bring friendly conversation and companionship, whether it’s taking a walk, organizing cherished mementos, or simply sharing a cup of coffee.

Those small moments matter. Having someone dependable helps avoid the isolation that negatively affects mental and physical health. As Surgeon General Murthy said, “Strong social connections can bolster immunity, improve mental wellness, and support a longer life.”

Solo aging comes with unique hurdles, but it doesn’t have to mean going it alone. With the right planning, social connections, and community support, solo agers can live full, meaningful lives on their own terms.

If managing daily tasks or staying socially connected feels overwhelming, our Companions are ready to help, so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.

 

The Villi team is here to help.

Do you need help with a loved one?  Then, consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.

Explore our services to learn more about our:

  • Homemaker and companionship services
  • Easy-to-use scheduling platform
  • “Best Value” service pricing
  • Only 1-hour service minimum

 

Sign up in seconds to enjoy free 24-hour access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.

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If you have questions about our services, please call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.

 

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