How Americans are preparing to grow older alone

Solo Agers Face Retirement Alone — and Are Redefining What Aging Looks Like

More Americans are entering retirement without the traditional support of a spouse, partner, or nearby family. These individuals—known as solo agers—are reshaping how people plan for aging, retirement, and long-term independence.

A new survey by the Society of Actuaries Research Institute (SOA) and the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) examines how solo agers, defined as individuals age 50 and older who expect to age without close family support, are managing finances, health, and social connections.

“Many solo agers feel a lack of companionship, and only a small percentage are confident their current support network will be there as they age,” said Stephen Siegel of the SOA Research Institute.

The study offers insight into the challenges facing solo agers—and the strategies that can help them age with confidence, connection, and financial security.

Who Are Solo Agers?

Solo agers include people who never married, those who are divorced or widowed, and individuals whose adult children live far away. The group can also include people with incapacitated spouses who, in practice, must plan for aging alone.

As the population ages and family structures evolve, solo agers represent a growing and increasingly important demographic.

“We want to help people at different stages of life, especially those facing unique challenges,” Siegel said. “Solo aging was a natural topic for us.”

Building and Sustaining Support Networks

One of the top concerns for solo agers is maintaining social connection. The survey found that while many experience isolation, most are actively working to strengthen their support systems.

Solo agers are reaching out to neighbors, coworkers, and friends, and many are forming new communities online. About three-quarters use social media regularly, while texting and video calls have become common tools for staying connected.

Pets also play a meaningful role. “Whatever you can do to nurture your support network—even adopting a pet—helps,” Siegel noted.

To support these efforts, SOA and WISER developed practical guides that help solo agers identify ways to build and sustain relationships, including volunteering, joining local organizations, and connecting with peer groups.

Planning for Health and Independence

Health and independence are major concerns for solo agers. While most respondents remain independent—at an average age of 67—many already need help with physically demanding tasks such as home maintenance or vehicle repairs.

“A majority are concerned about what might happen to their physical and cognitive abilities as they age,” Siegel said.

The guides encourage solo agers to plan ahead by using assistive technology, setting up memory aids, and considering home modifications.

Aging in place is a common goal, but many don’t know where to begin. “People say they want to age in place, but what does that mean?” asked Cindy Hounsell of WISER. “Do you need a grab bar in the shower? A different home layout? These guides help people think through those decisions.”

Legal and Financial Preparedness for Solo Agers

Managing finances and legal documents alone can feel overwhelming for solo agers. The guides outline essential paperwork, including:

Wills

Powers of attorney

Healthcare proxies

Advance directives

They also explain how to find trustworthy professionals for legal and financial support.

Women often benefit especially from this guidance. Many become solo agers later in life after relying on a spouse to manage finances. “They may not know where to start,” Hounsell said. “The guides explain what’s needed and why it matters.”

She shared her experience serving as trustee for friends in their 90s with no children. “That money has to last, and costs add up quickly,” she said. “Planning ahead makes all the difference.”

The Technology Paradox: Connection and Risk

Technology plays a dual role for solo agers—supporting independence while increasing exposure to risk.

Nearly three-quarters of respondents use social media, and many manage finances online. While this reflects adaptability, it also raises concerns about cybersecurity and fraud.

“When you embrace technology, you have to be careful,” Siegel warned. “Protect your passwords and watch for scams.”

Hounsell added that fraud is one of the most significant threats facing older adults. WISER recently hosted a full-day symposium focused on scam awareness and prevention.

Practical Tools for Solo Agers

To address these challenges, SOA and WISER created six educational guides designed specifically for solo agers. These resources cover:

Building support networks

Planning for health and independence

Financial and legal preparedness

Safe and effective use of technology

Together, they offer practical, actionable guidance for a growing population redefining what it means to age well—on their own terms.