Solo agers are people who didn’t marry, are widowed, have no family to rely on, or are living alone. These are people who are in the last stage of their lives and are living all by themselves. They could be living in an assisted living community or in their own house. The situation seems to work out fine for them until their health declines or there is a physical drawback that limits their access to friends and daily activities that bring them joy and happiness.
The U.S. Census Bureau states that close to one-third of seniors stay all by themselves. The number is approximately 14 million seniors, and a few of them have no children or anyone to be accountable for their health. They will require help at a certain point.
The news reports and columns that focus on solo agers appear in several media. The notion that it creates is that they can manage their lives well. But that is not entirely correct. It is true for those who have taken a few necessary measures to ensure they stay better, healthier for the long haul and are prepared for any untoward situation.
In this article, we will discuss the guidelines that solo agers can use to ensure that they live well and enjoy this phase of their lives.
Plan For Retirement Savings on Priority
Financial planning is an essential factor in aging. Most of the decisions that you tend to make as a solo ager will depend mostly on the amount you have been able to save.
A BusinessWire publication shared that a retired couple might end up spending as much as $300,000 for the remaining part of their lives on out-of-pocket costs, healthcare, and even hiring a geriatric care manager, a home health aide, and the like.
The solo adults who don’t have a partner should divide that amount by two.
Therefore, solo agers must plan their retirement savings early on so that later they don’t incur any issues when they have to pay for their medical costs or daily expenses.
Invest in Quality Healthcare Solutions
As we age, our health starts to decline. We no longer feel as energetic as we used to, before and even our memory isn’t that sharp. People who have a family history of cancer or cholesterol might worry if they face the same during their last stage of life. Therefore, it is necessary for solo agers to make sure they make healthy choices and live well.
It is necessary to start with the primary healthcare provider. Here, it is a good idea to connect with a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who can counsel them when required and educate them about the necessary lifestyle habits. They can also suggest the medicines that are essential for them and develop treatment plans based on the ailments that they face.
Most of them have opted for an MSN FNP degree online and have received the best training. It enables them to conduct medical examinations, scanning the patient’s body to look for any abnormalities that can be corrected at an early stage.
According to Carson-Newman University, this degree ensures that students get trained by faculties who themselves are active practitioners. The course is 100% online, and candidates can complete it within 52 months. During this time, they develop the required skills to outline their future as a holistic FNP.
Stay Connected with an Advocate and Advisor
An advisor or an advocate assisting solo agers will ensure that they find the resources that can be of help to them. It can include consultations on COVID-19 planning since new variants of the virus are showing up. That aside, solo agers living on their property should decide its future use after they crossover. An advocate can help here and enable them to make the best decision.
Find A Friend or Support Group
We all need someone to talk to and share our thoughts with. It makes us feel acknowledged and instills in us a sense of belonging. Even though solo agers live all by themselves, they must have a team of friends or support group in their locality whom they can count on for a hearty conversation.
With this group, they can take morning walks, go to movies, plan vacations, spend time at home watching television, discuss various topics, and much more. It helps them stay engaged and ensure mental well-being, which also fosters physical wellness.
Also Read: Tips to Boost Mental Health, Evidence-Based
In conclusion, solo agers live independently, which might make others feel that they have it all put together. They too have challenges to address, like everyone else. And since they have consciously decided to live all by themselves, they must plan it well so that they have fewer struggles. The guidelines discussed here will help solo agers live better for the long haul.
