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Solo agers expressed a range of concerns stemming from having to rely solely on themselves for comfort, finances, and care. Many fear needing additional help if their health were to decline, and describe this uncertainty as a major source of worry. Solos also expressed concern about their pets' future, knowing that their animals rely solely on them.
Physical Health
Solo agers shared considerable concern about their future physical health, recognizing that if additional care were needed, they might not have someone they trust to rely on for support. Some have reacted to this uncertainty by being proactive about their health, making sure to stay active, for example.
Falling
A major concern for solo agers is the fear of falling. Many described the worry that no one would be there to help or even know that it had happened. Many solo agers use smartwatches or carry cell phones so they can call for help in case of an emergency.
Medical Procedures and Appointments
Solo agers shared that medical providers often assume individuals have someone to accompany or support them. Upcoming surgeries can be stressful for solos due to the challenge of planning for transportation and post-surgical recovery. Relatively small health issues can have a large impact if it means that buttoning a shirt or tying a shoe are impossible, if even temporarily. These tasks can seem too intimate to ask just anyone for help.
"If I fell down on the floor there's no way I could get up."
Mental Health and Well Being
Many solos noted the negative impact isolation can have on one's mental well being. They expressed concern that prolonged isolation could lead to depression. These worries were separate from concerns about not having care support and instead centered on the lack of emotional comfort or social connection.
Pets
Pets provide comfort and support, especially for people living alone. Solos are worried about who would care for their pet if something were to happen to them. Other concerns include not being able to bring their pets if they needed to move. Continuing to care for a pet is a major concern among solo agers.
"I went ahead and signed up for a community program for the sake of my animals. If something happened to me they would starve to death because nobody ever comes up here."
Finances, Decision Making, and Planning
Estimating and preparing for the future caused various worries for solo agers, as they rely solely on themselves to plan for their needs. Solo agers described feeling worried, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Solos are particularly concerned about decision making related to finances, moving, and end-of-life plans, with some saying they feal lost navigating it all alone. Other financial worries related to fearing they may "outlive their money".
Physical Space
Solos expressed concerns about maintaining their homes . Some specifically noted that they avoided tasks that required climbing or heavy living, while others worried about managing snow removal or retrieving packages in the winter months. A common fear shared among solos was losing the comfort of their current home or apartment. Many worry that they could be forced to move if they could no longer live alone or find the supported needed to do so.
Shame and Stigma
Some reflected on the shame and stigma they have experienced as a solo ager. One solo mentioned feeling uncomfortable filling out forms that ask for an emergency contact, specifying the shame associated with not having one. Others voiced concerns about losing connections over time because they were not "coupled up," noting that one's circle of friends starts to diminish. Feeling stigmatized for soloness can lead to fear or hesitation in completing daily tasks or engaging with others.
"The thing that gets me is I just filled out a form. And it said emergency contact, and I was like, I don't think I have one."
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