Key takeaways: Things Every Solo Ager Should Do to Plan for the Future
- Solo agers are individuals 50 and older who aren’t married, don’t have living children, and live alone.
- Legal, financial, and healthcare planning are all key to ensuring peace of mind in retirement.
- Building a reliable support network can help reduce risk and isolation when living and aging alone.
- Housing and lifestyle choices are also important aspects of planning for the future as a solo ager.
- Thoughtful planning before age 70 can offer greater independence and security later.
Table of Contents
Get essential legal documents in place
Planning for future healthcare decisions
Consider lifestyle changes as you age
Prepare financially for retirement
Explore independent living at Provision
Aging alone doesn’t have to be a challenge, but without planning, it’s more likely to become one. Research shows that many adults 50 and older haven’t identified someone who could step in during a crisis or help manage care decisions later in life.
The AARP defines solo agers as individuals 50 and older who aren’t married, don’t have living children, and live alone. Many solo agers live full, independent lives and value the autonomy of living alone. Even so, without a spouse, partner, or family support nearby, aging alone can present unique challenges for older adults, especially if unexpected health or mobility changes occur.
Taking time to plan for legal, health, financial, social, and housing considerations before age 70 can help protect your independence and ensure support is in place when you need it. Thoughtful planning allows solo agers to live well today while feeling more confident about the future, whether that means aging at home with support or moving to an independent living community. Here are six steps solo agers should take before age 70 for greater peace of mind in retirement.
1. Get essential legal documents in place
Legal planning is one of the most crucial steps a solo ager can take. Having the right documents in place helps ensure your wishes are respected, even if you’re unable to speak for yourself.
Legal planning typically includes naming healthcare power of attorney and financial power of attorney, creating an advance healthcare directive, and completing estate planning documents like your will. Without these documents, decisions may be left to the courts, which can cause unnecessary stress during an already challenging time.
2. Plan for future healthcare decisions
Planning for healthcare in retirement means thinking ahead about the care you’ll want if your needs change. Start by considering your preferences around in-home support, assisted living, or memory care, based on how you envision your future as a solo ager.
Establishing these preferences early on helps you remain in control of your health later. Be sure to talk openly with your healthcare providers and document your wishes, which can provide peace of mind for you and those involved in your care.
3. Consider lifestyle changes as you age
How you age is shaped by your daily habits and routines, and this matters even more when you’re living and aging alone. Regular movement, balanced nutrition, mental stimulation, and social interaction all support long-term well-being.
For solo agers, schedule regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, stay proactive about developing health issues, and adjust your plans as needed. Focusing on habits that support physical and mental health (even small changes like adding more movement to your day or incorporating more protein into your diet) can make a big difference later.
4. Prepare financially for retirement
Financial planning is key to aging with confidence. Understanding how your resources will fund the retirement you envision, as well as how potential health changes could affect your budget, can help ease your worries about the future. Building flexibility into your financial plan allows you to adjust as your needs evolve.
This might look like budgeting for healthcare costs, considering long-term care expenses, and reviewing retirement income sources. Many people are surprised to learn that independent living communities like Provision can be more affordable than expected. Working with a trusted financial professional can help align your resources with your goals for the years ahead.
5. Build a social support system
Even the most independent solo agers benefit from having people they can rely on, helping reduce risk and isolation. Staying socially connected supports your emotional well-being while also creating an informal safety net for unexpected situations.
Your circle of support might include friends, neighbors, faith communities, professional advisors, or local organizations. Independent living communities like Provision make it easy to build connections through a full schedule of activities and social events, helping residents meet new people and create lasting friendships.
6. Plan for future housing needs
For solo agers, where you live plays a major role in aging safely and comfortably. It’s worth considering whether your current living situation will continue to meet your needs as you get older. Planning may involve making home adaptations, downsizing, or exploring senior living options that offer support as well as independence. For many people, downsizing or moving to an independent living community can mean a more connected, maintenance-free lifestyle, so you have more time and energy to spend on the things that truly matter.
Explore independent living at Provision
With the right planning in place before age 70, solo agers can maintain their independence while knowing support will be available when it’s needed. For those looking for an alternative to living alone, Provision independent living communities offer ways for residents to stay active and engaged while enjoying the freedom of independence and added peace of mind.
If you’re beginning to think about what your future could look like as a solo ager, we invite you to speak with one of our community advisors about Provision’s independent living options. You can also download our brochure to learn more about our community features and locations. If you’d like to visit in person, scheduling a tour is a great place to start. We’re here to help you plan with confidence!
