Published in RINewsToday on November 17, 2025

The Washington, DC–based AARP highlights the growing population of “solo agers” in the November/December 2025 issue of AARP Bulletin. These adults, age 50 and older, live alone without a spouse, partner, or anyone else under the same roof. According to the survey, this group now numbers 24 million—about 21% of Americans over age 50. More than 500 adults ages 50 to 95 were surveyed, including those who have never married as well as individuals who are divorced, separated, or widowed.

A key theme of the Nov. 10 released study emerges: solo agers enjoy their independence. Thirty-five percent of respondents said the best part of living alone is the freedom and autonomy it provides. An 82-year-old female solo ager summed it up this way: “The freedom to do whatever you please, whenever you want to do it.”

Taking a Close Look at America’s Solo Agers

Still, loneliness remains a significant challenge. Twenty-two percent said it is the hardest part of living alone. A 57-year-old male respondent noted, “Being lonely when there is nothing to do and not going out with friends and family.”

Despite this, the study found that many solo agers are socially connected with friends, family by volunteering and staying active in the community.  According to the survey’s findings, more than half of the respondents say their social life is excellent or good.  Two in five (40%) have lived on their own for 20 years or more. Respondents say that they found joy in spending time with friends (63%), pursuing hobbies and special interests (59%), connecting with family (57%), and even engaging in physical activity (55%).

Still, they say that living alone is concerning to them.  While many of these solo agers say they are in good health, many of these individuals worry about losing their independence (68%) and declining physical strength or stamina (62%).

Financial worries are also common. Just 54% rate their financial situation as excellent or good. Two in five express concern about having enough money for retirement (41%) or for paid care that would help them remain independent at home (39%). Adults ages 50–64 are far more worried about retirement savings than those 65 and older (59% vs. 32%).

The AARP Bulletin article stresses the importance of solo agers maintaining a strong social support network of family, friends, neighbors, and their caregivers. It also offers tips on financial, legal, and social strategies to help them maintain their autonomy, enhance their well-being, and reduce loneliness.

Being Solo and Alone in Rhode Island

A 71-year-old freelance writer, referred to as “Jane,” tells this writer about her experiences living solo as a divorced woman. Throughout our interview, she discussed her personal life, finances, and health. Even as a Solo Ager, she told me of the independence and freedom she has enjoyed for 27 year. “I’m independent. I do what I want. I answer to no one. I control my life,” she told me.

As to the primary drawbacks of living alone, Jane cited handling home repairs without a “resourceful” partner and dealing with illness. She had recently recovered from a significant health issue that had temporarily impacted her physical well-being. There was no one immediately available to provide care, driving home the vulnerabilities of living alone.

“I felt lonely, anxious, or sad being alone, especially when I didn’t feel well,” Jane admitted.

Jane detailed her close relationship with her two middle aged children and three grandchildren, along with the companionship she receives from her two cats. She says that these cats provide her essential companionship and structure to a daily schedule routine of feeding and spending time with them. This keeps her from negative habits like oversleeping.

As to her social network, Jane described herself as having a few close friends but not being a “joiner.” But being semi-retired it is easy for her to take the afternoon off and meet these individuals for lunch.

As to her ongoing amicable post-divorce co-grandparenting relationship with her ex-husband, “We were ships passing at noon when one of the grandchildren was very young. He would do the morning shift and I did the afternoon shift – same with another grandchild on a different day of the week.” But, in the years since their divorce, they were there for each other in one crisis or another, be that illness, or a burst water pipe.

As to solo living, Jane also touched upon her financial situation. “The house is a little difficult because I’d like to downsize, but I’m stuck,” she says, explaining how a low mortgage rate would make it difficult to sell and then get into another mortgage or a condo with higher costs than she’s paying now – a 2% low-interest mortgage is financially advantageous, but is more house than she needs or wants.

Jane’s story, reflecting many of the findings of AARP’s recently released study, counters the existing stereotypes of older, single women being viewed as lonely, instead it portrays a life that is full, independent, and deeply connected to family. However, her financial picture could also present practical challenges reflective of many seniors trying to survive in the current economy.

According to AARP, interviews were conducted February 13–17 and March 13–17, 2025, with 876 U.S. adults age 50 and older through the Foresight 50+ Omnibus. The sample included 503 solo agers—adults living alone and not married or partnered. The study was funded and operated by NORC at the University of Chicago. Foresight 50+, created by AARP and NORC, is a probability-based panel designed to represent the U.S. household population age 50 and older.
AARP noted that Researchers compiled data by both phone and online interviews. Data was weighed by age, sex, education, race/ethnicity, region by AARP membership to ensure national representation.