Solo Agers is a term that emerged relatively late in the United States and was coined in 2018 by Sara Zeff Geber. In 2021, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) conducted a survey of Solo Agers, whom they defined as people older than 50 who lived alone, were neither married nor in a long-term relationship, and had no living children The definition of Solo Agers is sometimes expanded to include those who have children who live far away or are estranged. Solo aging is simply aging on your own.

For most people, this means aging without a spouse, adult children, or other close relatives. Whether they are widowed, divorced, estranged, or never had a spouse or children, many solo agers find themselves in their 70s, 80s, and beyond without any immediate family members. The concept of living alone in old age or solo aging is a practice which is evident in countries like the USA (27 per cent), Denmark (42 per cent), Sweden (47 per cent) and Japan (15 percent). This rise can be attributed to several factors, including increased life expectancy, higher grey divorce, and societal changes in family structures.

According to the India Ageing Report 2021, around 20 percent of the elderly in urban areas prefer living independently, which is a fast-growing trend. Solo Agers are making decisions on their own as they age. It is important to remember that solo aging is not just for individuals who have always been single. For instance, an older adult may become a solo ager when their spouse predeceases them. Even individuals with kids may become solo agers if their children live far away or if they are unable to be involved in aging decisions or caregiving. The population of the elderly is growing fast, both in terms of proportion and in absolute numbers. As their numbers have grown, the number of individuals experiencing loneliness often or all of the time has also increased. Changing living situations is the main demographic cause of Solo Agers. Studies show that loneliness is found to be more among them. Widowhood, increasing dependency ratio as well as economic dependency, type of family, social network, place of residence, and population migrations are some of the significant correlates of solo aging. Women are found to be more at risk of isolation than men.

Over recent years, there has been growing public attention to loneliness among elderly and this has been accompanied by a shift in our understanding of its impact and in particular its implications on mental and physical health. Sociologically, ageing marks a form of transition from one set of social roles to another, and such roles are difficult. Among all role transformations in the course of ageing, the shift into the new role of the ‘old’ is one of the most complex and complicated. In an agriculture-based traditional society, where children followed their parent’s occupation, it was natural that the expertise and knowledge of each generation were passed on to the next, thus afforming older persons a useful role in society. However, this is no longer true in modern society, in which improved education, rapid technological change and new forms of organization have often rendered obsolete the knowledge, experience and wisdom of older persons.

This realization often results in feeling of loss of status, worthlessness and loneliness. The growth of nuclear families has also meant a need for changes in role relations Nuclear households, characterized by individuality, independence, and desire for privacy are gradually replacing the joint family, which emphasizes the family as a unit and demands deference to age and authority. Children who migrate find it difficult to cope with city life and elect to leave parents in the village, causing problems of loneliness and lack of care givers for elderly.

Parents in this circumstance cannot always count on financial support from their children and may have to take care of themselves as ‘solo agers’. Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization, technological change, education and globalization. Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are in the process of erosion and adaptation, resulting in the weakening of intergenerational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional family. Industrialization has replaced simple family production units by mass production and the factory. Individual jobs and earnings give rise to income differentials within the family.

Push factors such as population pressure and pull factors such as wider economic opportunities and modern communication cause young people to migrate, especially from rural to urban areas. With the rapidly increasing number of aged compounded by disintegration of joint families and ever-increasing influence of modernization and new life styles, the status and situation of elderly has emerged as an important issue in India. Aging had never been a problem in India when a value based joint family system was dominant. However, with a growing trend towards nuclear families, and increasing education, urbanization and industrialization, the vulnerability of the elderly is rapidly increasing. The coping capacities of the younger and elder family members are now being challenged under various circumstances resulting in neglect and abuse of the elderly.

Research has indicated that when individuals reach the age of 60, they are unable to realize that they have reached old age. This means that individuals are not wholly prepared for old age. When they have their family members around, relatives and a good circle of friends, then it is likely that they may feel secure and supportive. On the other hand, there are people above 80 years of age who live alone. They do not have family members around and are primarily dependent upon caregivers. In these cases, aged people experience social problems. They do not take pleasure in going out. When celebrations or ceremonies are organized by relatives, friends or neighbours, they do not enjoy going.

Hence, when aged people get accustomed to isolation, they experience social problems. In order to alleviate social problems, it is vital for solo agers to form a circle of friends and interact with relatives, friends, caregivers and neighbours. Solo Agers face unique challenges related to social support and caregiving. Without a spouse or adult children, they lack people who can assist them with day-today tasks, healthcare decisions, and emotional support. The requirement to find the right people can be so daunting that many solo agers just plant their heads in the sand and hope for the best. Engaging in community activities and building social connections is vital for Solo Agers to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Participating in local groups and senior centres, volunteering, or joining interest-based organizations can provide opportunities for meaningful connections and emotional well-being. Because of the fast-changing socio-economic and demographic changes, many elderly prefer to live alone. They wish to enjoy old age with no external inferences in their life. The desire for personal space and control over one’s environment can drive the decision to live alone. Some elderly enjoy the harmony that comes with living alone, finding it conducive to their hobbies and routines. Solo Agers need to consider how they want to live and receive care (if necessary) as they get older.

They should also give serious thought to whether they want to “age in place” or move to a senior living community of some type. Aging in place means that you will be living in your current neighbourhood or live in another community that is not age restricted. There are also a wide variety of senior living communities ~ ranging from communities where residents are fully independent but enjoy amenities, to properties that provide varying levels of care for residents.

Governments and concerned stakeholders should neither strictly promote nor discourage solo aging but rather support seniors in making the best choices. Providing resources for safe solo living, such as affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and social support services is crucial. Policies should encourage community engagement and the creation of supportive networks for Solo Agers. Whether living alone or with family, the focus should be on aging well. This means maintaining physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connections.

Societal attitudes towards aging need to shift towards inclusivity and support, ensuring that all seniors, regardless of their living arrangements, have the resources and opportunities to lead fulfilling lives. In a nutshell, solo aging is a complex trend influenced by both compulsion and desire. Understanding its dynamics, preparing adequately, and creating supportive environments can help seniors live safely and gracefully, embracing the latter years of life with dignity and joy.

(The writer is with Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management, Kolkata)