AGING SOLO, BUT NOT ALONE

AGING SOLO, BUT NOT ALONE

by Molly Davies, LCSW

Solo aging is a newer phrase being used to describe people who are aging alone for any reason, whether that be due to divorce, being unmarried or unpartnered, widowed, childless, or being estranged from family.

For some, aging solo is an intentional lifestyle choice and for others it was never planned. Whatever the reason, those who are aging solo do not have to go it alone!

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR SOLO AGERS TO AGE WELL.

CREATE MULTIGENERATIONAL FRIEND GROUPS.

An important way to insulate someone from aging solo is to have a support system. There will be times when we all need help and support from others as we age, and having a solid group of friends is a good way to stave off isolation, loneliness, and have built in support from people who care about you when you need it.

HAVE AN ADVANCED HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVE.

Consider having an advanced health care directive that outlines your wishes in the event you become ill and are not able to communicate your medical treatment wishes. You can appoint someone to make decisions, and if you don’t have anyone to appoint, you can still outline your wishes so that medical providers will know how to treat you.

GET SOCIAL.

Find and join events and activities in your community. Parks, libraries, and recreation centers specifically for older adults (Like The Club at WISE), host all kinds of social, educational, and festive gatherings where you can engage with others. If you like to travel, some tour companies specialize in travel for older adults and friends (consider WISE Adventures!).

Work hard, play hard, be fearless and try to forgive old friends and keep making new friends.

- Ronny R.

VOLUNTEER.

Stay engaged by volunteering at an organization that is doing something that you are passionate about, or just plain needs help in your community. Volunteering is a great way to make friends of all ages, give back, and keep your brain sharp. You can also give back through local civic engagement, like joining or participating in local government through neighborhood councils and weigh in on what matters to you in the community.

GET HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT.

When you need it, connect with WISE for case management to help navigate complicated medical and social service systems. Or think about peer counseling to get added support through life’s bumps in the road.

ENJOY YOUR FREEDOM!

The benefits of aging solo are resoundingly freedom – the freedom to do what you want when you want to. It may just be that solo aging is the ultimate in independence, and balanced with community connections, it really can be the best of both worlds.