Solo Aging in a Senior Living Community

Blog Category: Lifestyle

Everyone is on a different path when it comes to retiring and planning for the best years of your life. For some, they’re aging with their partner, and for others, they’re solo aging. If you are aging alone or want to prepare for the possibility of aging alone in a senior living community, here are some things you need to know.

What is Solo Aging?

Solo aging is when an adult plans for their future independently to age alone. This is a growing demographic of independent and tech-savvy people who want to advocate for themselves and be prepared for long-term care and fulfilling opportunities. Someone who is solo aging can be an individual who:

  • Never married
  • Never had children
  • Has lived alone due to divorce or passing of a partner
  • Whose relatives live far away or are estranged

The Benefits of Aging Alone in a Senior Living Community

As a solo ager, it’s increasingly important to fight social isolation and also find and continue companionship so you’ll be surrounded by good people who bring out the best in you. Here are the many benefits of aging alone in a senior living community:

  • A right-sized home in a one-bedroom apartment that equips you with the features and accessibility you need for an independent lifestyle.
  • A maintenance-free lifestyle with abundant amenities and services so you can have the freedom to do what you want.
  • Access to onsite services, well-trained staff, and a complete continuum of care for every stage of life, such as independent and assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, memory care, and hospice.
  • A safe, secure, and supportive community you can easily come and go from and partake in whatever activities you like.
  • Inclusive and nutritional dining options that fit your needs.
  • A variety of social opportunities such as classes, interest groups, sports clubs, outings, volunteer work, and events.

Tips for Planning to Age Alone

Right now is always the best time to start planning for your future, especially if you know you’re going to age alone. As we get older, it’s harder to spring into action during a crisis and have the right support available to us, so finding the right senior living community is key to aging well. Follow these tips when planning to age alone:

  • Boost Your Finances: Prioritize your retirement savings to cover out-of-pocket expenses, housing, healthcare, and fun excursions. It’s never too late to start financially planning for your future!
  • Build a Support Network: In addition to finding supportive companions in life, consider assembling a team of aging allies such as an elder law attorney, friend, financial advisor, care manager, doctor, trusted neighbor, relatives, or anyone you trust.
  • Organize Legal Matters: Consider meeting with an elder law attorney and developing a plan to complete and file estate planning documents and execute a healthcare directive, will, trust, and power of attorney (POA).
  • Plan for Healthcare: Whether you have a family history or long-term health conditions, you should always account for any ailments or healthcare needs. Now’s the time to look into insurance policies like Medicare and senior living communities that provide a complete continuum of care to support you in aging well.
  • Plan for Housing: You might start your retirement journey aging in place, in which case, you might want to consider having a Care Coordinator for any support. For an optimal experience to age well, you’ll want to move to a senior living community that provides a continuum of care.
  • Plan for Long-term Care: Even if you’re healthy and independent now, it’s important to think of any future care you might need as you age. Consider getting long-term care insurance to cover costs Medicare won’t.

Wondering what your future has to offer in your best years? Learn about aging on your terms with our free ebook, What are My Senior Living Options.

At Life Enriching Communities (LEC), we’re committed to ensuring patrons feel well-equipped to plan their future and age how they wish. Explore more resources on senior living or contact us today to learn more about our legacy of services and programs that bring meaning and purpose to every stage of life.