Donald Hammen, an 80-year-old man from south Minneapolis, relies on his network of relationships with neighbors, friends, and former co-workers to support him as he lives alone. His closest relative is his sister-in-law in Des Moines, but he has no clear plan for care should he become unable to care for himself.
This situation is becoming increasingly common in America, as 15 million older adults over 50 have no close family nearby. A recent study showed that many seniors living alone form local social networks of friends, neighbors, and other non-family helpers to support their independence.
However, finding reliable local connections can be challenging, and non-family helpers may not always be available for consistent care. AARP defines solo agers as people over 50 who are not married, have no living children, and live alone. Many of these individuals struggle to find assistance for household tasks or ongoing care needs.
Linda Camp, 73, and Michelle Wallace, 75, are examples of solo agers who have built networks of support through friends, neighbors, and community groups. Despite not having close family nearby, they have found ways to navigate aging alone.
It’s crucial for older adults living alone, like Gardner Stern, 96, to establish connections with individuals who can help them with daily tasks and provide companionship. Gardner relies on his ex-wife, Jobie Stern, and close friend Joy Loverde for support in managing his care needs.
As the population of older adults living alone continues to grow, it’s essential to explore the unique challenges and solutions facing this demographic. Organizations like KFF Health News are working to provide resources and support for seniors navigating aging alone.
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