What is solo aging, and why is it becoming common?

Solo aging as the name suggests is to grow old without the traditional support system of close family members, like husband or wife, children, relatives, parents, and family members, who would look out for you and help you in your decision-making process.

Solo aging is sometimes by choice and other times by circumstances. In case of people not choosing to marry and having children, it's the choice that they prefer as they have different goals than others. For some people, it could be a loss of partner or children moving away. Even though solo-agers do not have a biological family, they have a strong network of friends or professionals to help them out.

The concept of solo aging is rising all over the world. About 28% of people above 65 or 22 million older adults live alone, according to 2023 data from the US Census Bureau.

It shows, many people in older age do not require support from other people and are experiencing the crests and troughs of life on their own terms.

Here are 5 reasons why solo aging is becoming common :

Trust issues In modern times, it's difficult to trust others, and many people may have faced betrayals in early life and may not be ready to commit to someone. It can be hard for a lot of people to trust again and settle in life. Many people who are divorced choose not to marry or have a family, and they just wish to live by themselves and grow old alone.

Emotional and financial stability

When you are in a relationship or marriage, it takes both emotional and financial stability. You have to take full responsibility for someone for the rest of your life, and people nowadays don't want to put their efforts, energy, or resources into any relationship or marriage that may not work out for them. They believe if they are emotionally and financially stable, then they are capable enough to take care of themselves.

Traumatic experiences
Many people have suffered through traumatic experiences; it can be in their relationships, marriage, or family. When a person suffers through any traumatic experience, they don't allow themselves to relive such experiences. A person who has suffered through such experiences would want to grow old in a safe and comforting environment; they will age alone rather than relying on their partner or their family.

Belief and confidence
When a person have full faith and confidence in themselves that they may not need anyone else in their life to tell them what to do or want to settle in life, they would rather live their life the way they want to; they have full freedom.

Change in family roles
People used to look after their parents and grandparents when they would age; the roles have now changed. Many old people have to live alone and take care of themselves now; their children or grandchildren do not have enough time or resources for them. People have started relying less on their family members or partners and more on themselves.