Solo Agers Can Find Independence in Planning and Advocacy
By Eric. J. Einhart, Judith M. Flynn, and Roberta K. Flowers
Our society places a significant value on personal autonomy, self-determination, and the ability to control one’s own destiny. Unfortunately, sometimes the challenges life bestows upon us, such as chronic illness, traumatic events, injuries, and aging, can cause an individual’s independence to be questioned, diminished, and even eliminated.
While many older adults may face challenges as they age, those who lack the historically traditional support system of a spouse and/or adult children may face even greater challenges (Thayer, 2021). These individuals are commonly referred to as Solo Agers—meaning people who live alone without a spouse or partner, and either have no children or their children live far away, are estranged, or have special needs (Partnerships in Aging Program, n.d.). Aging alone, or solo aging, is not a unique phenomenon. There are approximately 22.1 million Solo Agers in America, and an estimated 27.7% of older adults who live alone are childless (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021).
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