Today, many people focus on the idea of aging in place (or sometimes “aging in community”). These phrases refer to spending one’s late sixties and onward in one’s private home or apartment, instead of moving to an assisted living or skilled care community. Aging in place is currently considered the preference for 77% of Americans age 50 and older1. But, aging in place can also mean aging alone.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 28% of people 65 and older live by themselves, meaning about 16 million Americans are currently aging alone.2 Seventy-five years ago, only about 10% of older Americans lived alone. More seniors are living by themselves for a variety of reasons including that people are living longer, there are rising rates of divorce, smaller families, and more geographic dispersion of families. While some older adults may find happiness and independence in living alone, it is not always something people choose, but rather where they find themselves.3
Is living alone as a senior dangerous?
This might be the first question we ask ourselves when we imagine living alone as we age. Older adults are indeed more likely to have significant health issues, including vision or hearing loss, mobility issues, cognitive decline, and other serious conditions. If an individual is living alone with these conditions, it could result in serious issues including depression, loneliness, inactivity, an accident, social isolation, and other detrimental health effects.
But you can age alone and happily as a senior, right?
Of course, an adult can live alone and thrive. The difference between aging alone happily instead of unhappily, may depend on various factors. For instance, an individual’s financial situation, mental and physical health status, housing situation, and relationships with friends, family, and community can all have an impact on aging alone.
Are there resources for older adults living alone?
Options for support depend on where a senior lives. For seniors who can transport themselves, continuing to socialize and build new friendships when aging alone is a great way to stay healthy. Finding a place to volunteer, visiting a senior center, or otherwise joining a community can reduce social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
Scheduling regular calls and check-ins with family, friends, and medical providers can greatly support health and happiness. These support systems can aid in the early detection of health issues and help seniors plan ahead.
For seniors seeking to age in place and require additional support – home care and home health care are helpful options. Some states and counties help older adults find and pay for home caregivers. Additionally, non-profit and for-profit entities in your area may provide home care options.
Some municipalities offer other support options, including free or low-cost transportation for seniors, discounts, and assistance with yard work or snow removal. To find out what opportunities exist near you, contact your city or village hall.
For individuals on the northside of Chicago and in the northern suburbs, CMSS offers SASI Home Care as well as our no-cost Senior Connections program to older adults aging in place. We also provide programming and meals at a senior center in Bellwood, Illinois.
References
1 AARP. Where We Live, Where We Age. AARP, 2021. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://datastories.aarp.org/2021/home-and-community-preferences/
2 Administration for Community Living. 2023 Profile of Older Americans. ACL, 2023. Accessed January 27, 2025. https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/ACL_ProfileOlderAmericans2023_508.pdf
3 Judith Graham. “Historic numbers of older adults are now living by themselves.” Washington Post. September 14, 2024. https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/09/14/seniors-alone-health/
