Aging solo

The practicalities and possibilities of embracing the future on your own.

Traditional milestones such as marriage, homeownership and children are shifting across the UK. The number of marriages in England and Wales continues to fall, with 231,949 marriages and civil partnerships recorded in 2023, an 8.6% drop from 2022, continuing a long-term decline.

Meanwhile, more adults are living alone than a decade ago, with 8.4 million solo households in 2024, and over half of those aged 65+ now living alone. Childbearing intentions are changing too:15% of Gen Z and around one‑third of older millennials do not intend to have children.

Together, these trends signal a growing population of “solo agers” – people navigating later life independently, either by choice or circumstance.

Planning for a solo future

Aging solo offers freedom. Whether you intend to relocate, change career direction or rediscover interests, intentional preparation is required.

Key questions to consider:

• Who will help in an emergency?
  Without nearby family, solo agers may rely on medical alert services, assistive tech and wearables.
• Who will support me in a health crisis?
  With more future older adults projected to be childless, demand for formal care will increase, making it essential to plan for private care support or long‑term care funding.
• Who will carry out my wishes?
  A solicitor, professional executor or trusted friend may need to fulfil roles traditionally held by partners or adult children.

Staying connected

Social connection is crucial for well‑being. Community groups, faith organisations, volunteering platforms and cultural memberships offer UK solo agers meaningful ways to stay engaged and connected.

Solo, not isolated

The goal of preparing for solo aging is not to face later life alone, but to ensure support, connection and clarity. By planning early (legally, financially and socially), solo agers can build a later life that is independent without becoming isolated.

Sources: ons.gov.uk; southampton.ac.uk;