17 powerful tips for a solo retirement (or, if you become a solo senior during retirement)

Sometimes it feels like the world is designed for couples. People hold dinners for couples. Most forms ask your spouse. And, let’s face reality, retirement and aging (the times when sometimes you need a helping hand) you will be scared by yourself.

Whether by circumstances or choice, the U.S. Census Bureau has recorded more than 20 million unmarried U.S. residents aged 65 and older. Pew Research estimates that 27% of adults over the age of 60 live alone. These aging individuals are often referred to as elderly orphans or solo elderly people.

These numbers may increase. Although singleness was once seen as a lonely or unpleasant state, times have changed, more and more people remain single, and social norms are becoming more and more open to various different ways of life.

Especially women are more numerous. The aging government found that 37% of women in the United States live alone and are happy about it and don’t want to live anymore.

However, there are some challenges in retirement alone. Here are 17 tips for self-navigation retirement:

1. You need a personalized plan – Retirement experience rules are not good for singles

As a single person, it may be more important for you to create a personalized and detailed retirement plan, rather than just relying on rules of thumb that may be biased against couples.

Detailed retirement plans are easy to create. Boldin retirement planners are praised for being a highly detailed tool. Users like the system to ask many questions they have not considered. Because this calculator can help you imagine your future and is completely customizable for singles or couples, it can easily be one of the best ways to plan for retirement.

2. Overcome your financial insecurity

According to a study by Northwest Mutual, “Overall, single men and women are less satisfied with their financial situation than married Americans.”

And, “financial anxiety is high among singles. More than four of one-ten (45%) single men, and half (50%) single women say they feel mild or very good about their personal financial security. Anxiety – Much higher than married individuals (35% married men and 41% married women). ”

Start your plan now to overcome these insecurities. We hear from people every day that using planners creates a sense of control and confidence in their future. And, planning isn’t as daunting as you think. Boldin retirement planners will go through the process step by step.

3. Maintain a schedule

Experts believe that the main contribution of aging after retirement is the lack of timelines provided by work. Work gives you a reason to get up every day and have a certain degree of accountability.

When you retire – especially if you live alone – having a place to go every day can be an important aspect of staying vital.

4. Special Notes for Singles After Retirement

At 65, my grandmother never paid the bill in her life. My grandfather handled all the financial situation. But when he was hit by Alzheimer’s, she wasn’t shy about working as a finance manager for her life – she knew enough to hire a financial adviser (luckily paid resources) to help their investment.

Whether you are married now or not, it is important to educate yourself on your personal finance. Retirement plans can be complicated. Making your own written retirement plan is a great way to get started and revolve around the universe of retirement planning and personal finance themes.

5. Consider adopting a pet

Research on the benefits of owning a dog is overwhelming, and probably especially if you are single. In addition to emotional benefits such as our unconditional love for us, one study found that dog owners need fewer doctor visits. Another study from Australia found that pet owners have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and lower risk of heart attacks.

Other studies have shown that care for dogs, especially, is healthy because it makes us crucial and often ensures that we take daily walks. There are six ways pets can improve your health.

6. Establish a support network

Whether you are introverted or extroverted, maintaining friendship is actually crucial to your health and well-being.

The people you need can rely on and help in life. And, believe it or not, science says you will be better when you have people who depend on you.

Create a friend system with a group of friends to get dates from a doctor or hospital or other times when you need help.

7. Stay social

In addition to practical support, many studies have shown that the benefits of socializing as they age. A link between healthy social relations and improving health has been established. A Penn State University study found that when social activities are associated with physical exercise, more benefits are achieved.

8. Avoid emotional loneliness

It’s great to be alone. Feeling lonely can adversely affect your health.

In fact, older people experiencing the highest level of “emotional loneliness” are at a higher risk of death – 18.6% of all-cause deaths are increased.

9. Think carefully about your residence

Housing is usually your biggest retirement fee. Whether married or not, all retirees need to carefully consider their housing options.

As a single, you have more flexibility in your own home – consider the pros and cons of some of these options:

Live broadcast abroad: If you don’t have adult children or grandchildren, there may be few drawbacks abroad. This can be a great opportunity (and economically efficient).

Live in a walkable community: If you can’t drive any more, the walkable community is better for you.

Looking for roommates: remember Golden girl? Living with other single friends can cut your costs and provide built-in support you may want or need.

Retirement Community Retirement: The retirement community provides you with a built-in “community” – a group of people like you.

Go small: If it’s just you, can you deal with living in a small house?

village: Check if there is a Village Network (VTVN) in your community. Village to Village website website says: “VTVN is a vibrant village, hyperlocal community group, and vibrant members participate in their communities. Village members experience reduced isolation, increased independence and enhanced purpose of life. These feet are in On street resources, the focus is on social determinants of health, actively improving population health.”

10. Divorce or widowed? Thinking through your Social Security Claims Strategy

You probably know that delaying the start of Social Security benefits to 70 will maximize your monthly benefits check.

But did you know that if you are divorced or widowed you can start benefiting earlier while still benefiting from the maximization of your benefits? Once you are eligible, you can first claim your own gains and then convert them into survivor benefits (or inversely, depending on who has the higher benefits).

To collect social security from your ex’s records, you must be married for at least ten years and not remarried.

11. Pay special attention to your heart health

According to the American College of Cardiology, single adults are 5% more likely to have heart disease than their married peers.

Therefore, pay special attention to your heart health – check regularly.

12. Identify financial and health agents

Real estate planning is much more than figuring out how to handle your assets. It is worth noting that as a single person, you have documented someone who can speak for you and your wishes if something happens to you. How do you want to take care of, and if you can’t speak for yourself, how do you want to manage your finances?

The person you designate is called your agent. Elderly law lawyers can help you set up the correct files.

You can find an old law attorney here, or try one of these free resources for your healthcare directives:

13. Define and communicate your plan during long-term care activities

Even if only 37% of people think they would think they would require long-term care, according to SeniforCare.com.

While this is really not a good plan for anyone, many married couples want to be able to take care of each other during long-term care activities. This is not the case for singles. So it is very important to figure out how you want to take care of and how to pay.

Long-term care policies may be something to consider. In the Boldin retirement planning system, you can try different situations to handle long-term care activities.

14. Seek support if you are worried

You may be alone, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need support. Here are some resources that will work for you:

Join a Facebook group for single seniors: The Facebook Group for Older Orphans is suitable for people over 55 years old, without a spouse or a nearby child. This page is designed to allow members to exchange ideas and find answers to the questions they are having.

Establishing a club: Want a network of single elderly people closer to home? Start your own club! Invite everyone you know to be single and retirement age, meeting weekly or monthly.

15. Make sure someone checks regularly

Whether you are worried about a health event, a fall or a dementia, it is invaluable for someone you have regular checkups. Your contact can be friends, family or neighbors.

Communicate your concerns and let your connection know how you will deal with a variety of situations.

Even better, create an entire family. Specify a network of trusted friends, neighbors, or community members that can act as your support system.

Do you think you can rely on one person? Find a life care partner. These professionals charge $80 to $350 per hour, which can help meet a variety of needs as they age. Learn more in the Aging Life Care Association.

16. Invest in Alert System

You may remember the ad: “I fell down, I couldn’t get up.”

It seemed interesting a few years ago, but as you get older, the medical alert system may be great for your mindset.

Caring.com reviews and ranks dozens of services.

17. Don’t give up on travel

Travel is the number one goal for most retirees. Just because you are single doesn’t mean you have to give up on the parade Lubie.

Here are some travel companies specializing in older travelers: