Retirement Planning, Elder Law, and Senior Finance Single and Childless Seniors Need a Plan 1/5/2024 | By Terri L. Jones According to a 2021 Census Bureau report, 27.7 percent (6.1 million) of adults 55 and older who live alone are also childless. As they age, these single and childless seniors, who had focused on careers or independence instead of a family, don’t have the traditional support system for care. And many of those aging solo are worried. Single and childless seniors have become such a significant segment of the population that Dr. Maria Torroella Carney, chief of geriatrics and palliative medicine at North Shore-LIJ Health System in New York, has given them the name “elder orphans.” She’s also done research on how aging solo will impact these seniors. Not surprisingly, she’s found that they’re at greater risk for physical and social isolation and, as a result of this isolation, they have more trouble accomplishing daily tasks, show signs of more rapid cognitive decline, and experience higher rates of coronary heart disease and other health issues. But don’t despair if you don’t have the safety net of a partner or children to take care of you as you age. For single and childless seniors, savvy plans can be just as beneficial. Planning tips for solo agers Here are some tips for how to have a happy, healthy old age on your own: 1. Social network Since isolation is one of your greatest risks, a large social network is critical – both to keep you engaged and to have others to look out for you (and vice versa). Seniors who move to 55+ communities or naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) find that they have a ready-made group of friends with whom they can enjoy conversation and meals as well as turn to for support. If you don’t have a lot of friends in your neighborhood, check out resources in your area such as senior centers, libraries, and churches where you can meet people with similar interests and form your own social network. A Facebook group called Elder Orphans, which is for individuals over 55 who don’t have a spouse or the support of kids, may also help you establish connections. 2. Housing How well your home fits your needs as you age is another important factor in safely and comfortably making it on your own. For example, a two-story home with a large yard to care for, lots of steps to the front door, tubs that you have to step into, and narrow hallways and doorways may not be the best option as you get older. If you can’t make the necessary accommodations to your current home, look for one that is safe and accessible in a community that’s walkable or has access to public transportation and where you can meet people and grow your social network. At some point, you may also need support, so it’s also wise to check out continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) or assisted living communities in your area, just in case. 3. Technology For some needs, technology can be a good stand-in for adult kids. Most people know about life alert systems, smart watches, and medication reminders, but a variety of other tech tools are also available to safeguard you and your safety. For example, EyeOnApp notifies your designated contacts if you don’t respond to alerts scheduled on your cellphone, and EverSafe monitors your financial accounts and notifies you of potential fraud. You can even install a smart refrigerator that lets you know when you’ve run out of a staple or when something has expired! 4. Legal documents In the event that you are incapacitated down the road, it’s important to designate someone to make financial and healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to make them for yourself, then have an eldercare lawyer draw up the documents to make it legal. “Childless people typically turn to a friend, a lawyer, clergy, or a niece or nephew to make medical decisions, according to experts. A bank’s trust unit can take on financial tasks, with a friend, a relative or a lawyer monitoring the bank’s decisions,” according to The New York Times. 5. Resources Even if you’re perfectly capable of living independently, everyone needs a little help now and then. On-demand support services like NaborForce are there to lend a hand for anything from laundry to help figuring out that new computer. Most cities also have access to a variety of other services, like transportation, dog walking, and meal delivery services, which can come in handy. Scout out services in your area so you know what’s available and where to find them when you need them. Instead of worrying these years away wondering what will happen to you when you get older, use that energy instead to plan for your later years. Your older self will thank you! Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over ten years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.