Efforts by Seniors to Build Their Support Systems
Many seniors living alone are cultivating their own local networks to help them maintain their independence. One such individual is 80-year-old Donald Hammen of Minneapolis. He is not alone, even if he lives by himself. Like a web stretching across his community, he has friends, neighbours, and old colleagues who contribute to his well-being. From doing laundry to going on health walks, Hammen’s intimate community helps sustain him. A close neighbor, Julie McMahon, even checks on him daily. However, the question of who might care for him if he ever becomes unable to do so himself remains unanswered.
The Rising Trend of Solo Seniors
About 15 million Americans of 50 years or older have no close family like spouses or children, as revealed by statistics from 2015 events. This trend is not expected to slow down, with a predicted rise to 21 million by 2060. Consequently, these seniors who live far from their families, or have strained relations, do not have conventional familial support. They often rely on other community members or paid help, but lack of this can leave them vulnerable, leading to isolation, health issues, and mental health problems like depression.
How Well Networks Substitute for Family
However, less research has been done on how much non-family help can replace family support for seniors. Findings from an interesting study reveal how many seniors adapt to living alone. They create local networks with friends, neighbors, and extended family to ensure their independence.
Still, it can be challenging to find reliable local connections. A survey by AARP in 2022 found that only 25% of solo seniors believed they could rely on someone for help with tasks like cooking, cleaning or shopping. 38% of them felt confident about managing ongoing health care requirements with existing network support.
Real-world Experiences from Solos Aging Alone
Linda Camp, a 73-year-old former city administrator living in St. Paul, Minnesota, provides an example of some challenges faced by solo seniors. After cataract surgeries, she found her local support network invaluable. They accompanied her to appointments, helped with recovery, and even physically supported her when needed. Similarly, 75-year-old Michelle Wallace has made significant efforts to create her own local network in Broomfield, Colorado, through local groups for solo seniors.
Older Adults Harnessing Power of Community
In a Chicago condominium, 96-year-old Gardner Stern resides alone but has found care in unexpected quarters. His former spouse, Jobie Stern, has become his primary caregiver even after a bitter divorce in 1985. Another senior in the same building, Joy Loverde, offers invaluable help and advice. Despite his children and grandchildren living in Los Angeles, Gardner relies on his local care network for daily support.
Both Gardner and Jobie have expressed the importance of time in healing wounds and fostering understanding. Jobie continues to care for Gardner because she finds happiness in ensuring his well-being. On the other hand, Gardner appreciates the support he gets from his ex-spouse and his community at large.
In conclusion, these real-life cases demonstrate an increasing trend of seniors living alone actively weaving support networks within their communities to sustain their independence. Even as this trend grows, more research is needed to understand how non-family support can effectively replace the involvement of close family, and the impact it has on seniors’ well-being.
and somehow the numbers never quite include rural folks.
I’d wage two times that number.