Published November 18, 2024

There have always been older adults aging on their own, without a family and/or community support system. With the growing older population and shifts in traditional family structures, more attention has been paid to this group in recent years — who have come to be known as “solo agers.”

The definition of a solo ager varies, depending on who you ask. It can be objective, typically based on an absence of family or other support. On the other hand, it can also be subjective, based on the individual’s perception of support. Or it can be a mix of both.

Most commonly, a solo ager is defined as an individual who lives alone, is not married or not in a long-term relationship, and has no children. 

However, this definition is not limited to someone who has never married or had children. People who previously had strong family support systems can become solo agers later in life by being divorced or widowed, or having estranged children.

As syndicated columnist, author, and expert on aging and the new retirement, Helen Dennis, explained, older adults should also be asked if they have anyone they can depend on or if they feel like they are alone at this stage of life. They may have a family but are living alone and feel like they cannot rely on their relatives or ask for help. 

Despite the lack of a single definition of solo aging, their needs continue to grow. According to AARP, solo agers make up anywhere from one in ten to one in four adults age 50 and older. That number is expected to increase in the coming years, necessitating the need for greater awareness and stronger community support networks.