Today, roughly 22 million older adults live on their own, and about 30% of them do so without children or other relatives nearby to lend a hand. In 2024, a new day of recognition was established, and the third Wednesday in May is now Solo Agers Visibility (SAVvy) Day. Held during Older Americans Month, SAVvy Day shines a light on the many older adults approaching their later years without the support of a spouse or children. Read on to learn tips for essential retirement planning for solo agers.
The Story Behind Today’s Trend Toward Living on Your Own
Based on the 2020 U.S. Census, roughly 27% of adults 60 and older live alone (about double the global average). What’s driving this trend? A change in values and lifestyle choices
During the 1960s and 70s, reliable access to dependable birth control gave women more say over their reproductive health and family planning. Around the same time, new career opportunities opened up for women in professions like medicine, law, and engineering. Combined, this progress gave many Baby Boomer women a new degree of independence and freedom to chart their own futures, and gave both men and women more choice about when or whether to have children. Divorce also carried less stigma, and the introduction of no-fault divorce laws made it simpler for people to leave unhappy marriages.
In recent decades, it’s also grown more common for adult children to relocate for work or to raise families of their own. For their parents, this can mean starting retirement without family close by. As a result, seniors aging solo encounter distinct challenges that call for fresh approaches to connection, planning, and care.
Aging Alone Together
Not having a spouse or children doesn’t mean going without support. Friends, neighbors, and community can offer meaningful companionship and care all through your retirement years — and senior living communities provide all of that and more.
One of the most common worries about living alone in retirement is the risk of isolation. Retirement communities like The Cedars at Woodland Hills in Tulsa, OK, offer built-in ways to connect and stay active through engaging programs, shared meals, and a lively social calendar. Best of all, the friendships you make are with neighbors just steps from your door.
Health and care needs can also grow more complicated over time. Whether you’re bouncing back from surgery or managing new health concerns, having dependable, convenient support is vital. For those without a spouse or family nearby, or anyone who simply wants more support, senior living communities offer peace of mind. At The Cedars, residents enjoy 24/7 concierge services, weekly housekeeping, and wellness amenities right outside their door. That means you can stay in the community you know and love while getting the support you need.
Planning Your Estate
For anyone navigating retirement on their own, having a strong plan for future legal and health care decisions is particularly important. Should a time come when you can’t communicate or act on your own behalf, having these plans ready ensures your wishes are respected.
In addition to allocating your assets, estate planning also includes appointing a Power of Attorney, selecting a health care proxy, and recording your end-of-life wishes so your preferences are clear and respected. An elder law attorney can help you work through these choices with confidence, providing advice suited to the specific needs of Solo Agers so you’re ready for whatever lies ahead.
Discover a Welcoming, Active Community Today
Enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in a friendly, active community! Located in Tulsa, OK, The Cedars is a close-knit senior living community with a full social calendar, engaging programs, and a wide array of amenities — all on a private gated campus featuring a heated saltwater pool, inviting outdoor spaces, and plenty of places to gather. Contact us to learn more and schedule a personal tour to discover a welcoming place to call home.
