Edith Heyck, an artist and part-time park manager from Newburyport, Massachusetts, at the age of 72, is one of the estimated 38 million Americans who live alone. Analysts predict that the societal shift shown in Heyck's story will further accelerate over the next few decades.
In 2022, there will be almost 16 million Americans aged 65 and up, about three times as many as in the 1960s. This number is likely to increase considerably as the Baby Boomer generation matures, causing significant national security concerns.
Reasons Behind the Trend: Why More Baby Boomers Are Living Alone
According to CNN, this trend is being fueled in part by the unexpected increase in "gray divorce," or the divorce rate among those 50 and older.
Bowling Green State University's Susan L. Brown and I-Fen Lin, co-directors of the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, first noticed the pattern of an increasing divorce rate among Americans aged 50 and up between 1990 and 2010. This trend prompted us to rethink our assumptions about the rarity of divorce among the elderly and highlighted the significance of tailoring our policies to their needs.
Susan Myres, a divorce attorney in Houston with decades of experience, has heard a range of reasons from older clients seeking divorce, including differing perspectives on vaccines, masks, and politics during the pandemic. Some older individuals initiating divorces feel they have drifted apart from their spouses, while others have experienced abuse or discovered shocking transgressions. Regardless of the reasons, the idea of spending their remaining years with the wrong person propels many to seek a fresh start.
Financial difficulties after "gray divorce" are a major concern for researchers. Divorce often leads to a significant drop in the standard of living, especially for those who are not remarried. This, combined with higher poverty rates among older adults, paints a concerning picture for their financial well-being in the future.
It's important to note that "gray divorce" is not the sole reason for older Americans living alone. Some are widowed, and a growing share have never been married at all. Affordability is a crucial factor in determining whether older individuals can live alone, with the advent of Social Security and Medicare providing financial stability and enabling more older people to choose independent living.
Future of Aging: Challenges and Housing Options for Solo Living
As the number of older people living alone is expected to grow, communities face significant consequences if social services aren't improved. Loneliness and social isolation can have severe health consequences, making it crucial to find solutions to support aging Americans who live alone. In countries like Japan, where inventions like robotic dogs and artificial intelligence are gaining popularity, ideas for the future of aging in the United States may be discovered.
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University's Housing and Aging Society program director, Jennifer Molinsky, emphasizes the significance of a greater range of housing styles that are supportive of safe aging. By ensuring they have access to reliable transportation, medical care, and support services, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for older individuals who live alone.
For Edith Heyck, who experienced financial instability after her divorce, finding affordable housing was a challenge. However, after securing a spot in senior housing with rent adjusted to her income, she found the stability and joy she had been seeking. Her sense of security came from her faith and her participation in the local community; she has since discovered stand-up comedy as a means of connecting with her neighbors.
In conclusion, there is a complex interplay between factors that contribute to the growing number of lone Baby Boomers, such as the rising rate of "gray divorce" among the elderly. Our aging population is becoming increasingly isolated, and as this trend continues, we must consider how we may best ensure the pleasure and well-being of these people.
