American society rests on an assumption that families take care of their own. But 15 million Americans 50 and older didn’t have any close family.
Gardner Stern lives alone in a Chicago condominium complex. He never planned for his care needs in older age. He just figured things would work out, one way or another. Joy Loverde , an elder-care specialist, lives in the same building and is Stern’s “tell it like it is” friend. Loverde helped Stern decide to give up driving and persuaded him to have a walk-in shower with a bench installed in his bathroom.
American society rests on an assumption that families take care of their own. But 15 million Americans 50 and older didn’t have any close family — spouses, partners, or children — in 2015, the latest year for which reliable estimates are available. Most lived alone. By 2060, that number is expected to swell to 21 million.
And often, they simply go without, leaving them vulnerable to isolation, depression, and deteriorating health. Still, finding reliable local connections isn’t always easy. And nonfamily helpers may not be willing or able to provide consistent, intense hands-on care if that becomes necessary.in 2022, only 25% said they could count on someone to help them cook, clean, get groceries, or perform other household tasks if needed. Just 38% said they knew someone who could help manage ongoing care needs.
Camp was fortunate — she has a sizable network of former coworkers, neighbors, and friends. “What I tell people when I talk about solos is all kinds of connections have value,” she said. Instead, she’s cultivated relationships with several people she met through local groups for solo agers. Many have become her close friends. Two of them, both in their 70s, are “like sisters,” Wallace said. Another, who lives just a few blocks away, has agreed to become a “we’ll help each other out when needed” partner.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Older Americans living alone often rely on neighbors or others willing to helpOften, they simply go without, leaving them vulnerable to isolation, depression, and deteriorating health.
Read more »
Too many older Americans are getting tested for Alzheimer'sDiagnosing 'Stage One Alzheimer’s Disease' based solely on biomarkers is potentially dangerous to patients.
Read more »
How older Americans are grappling with hanging up their car keysThe aging U.S. population raises new questions about how to approach keeping drivers safe behind the wheel.
Read more »
Harris or Trump? The outcome could be in the hands of voters 65 and olderOlder Americans could well determine the outcome between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Read more »
Don’t Worry. The EV Revolution Is Here To StayWhether American politicians support it or not, American companies are going to keep building great EVs.
Read more »
17 Shocking Family Stories Revealed By Older Relatives'Jerry Springer would have loved my grandpa.'
Read more »