For decades, a person’s retirement plan assumed family members would step in when their health declined. Today, that assumption no longer holds true for millions of Americans. Solo agers or individuals aging without a spouse, children, or nearby support system represent one of the fastest-growing segments in retirement and extended care planning.
Read More: Have Your Clients Planned for the Costs of Aging and Longevity?
Who Are Solo Agers?
Solo agers may be:
- Single, divorced, widowed, or never married
- Childless or geographically distant from family
- Estranged from relatives
- Living independently without reliable caregivers
As marriage rates decline, families become smaller, and life expectancy increases, the number of solo agers continues to grow.
Why Extended Care Planning Matters More
Without family support, solo agers often rely on paid services sooner and more extensively for:
- Transportation and assistance with activities of daily living
- Care coordination and medical advocacy
- Home health care or assisted living
- Financial oversight and decision-making support
This can significantly increase long-term care expenses and accelerate asset depletion.
The Need for a Comprehensive Plan
For solo agers, extended care planning goes beyond simply funding care. It requires:
- Long-term care financing
- Legal and healthcare directives
- Care coordination
- Housing and support strategies
- Emergency advocacy planning
This is where long-term care insurance (LTCI) can play an important role. LTCI helps create a more predictable plan for managing future care costs, preserving assets, and maintaining greater control over care decisions when family support may not be available.
Read More: Is My Client Healthy Enough to Qualify for Long-Term Care Insurance?
A Different Planning Conversation
While traditional retirees often ask, “How will I pay for care?,” solo agers face a broader question: “Who will help manage my care when I need it?”
Advisors can add value by helping clients identify care resources, advocacy support, and funding strategies before a crisis occurs.
The Opportunity Ahead
The solo ager population is reshaping retirement planning. Their greatest concern is often maintaining independence, dignity, and control as they age.
For these individuals, proactive planning that is supported by appropriate long-term care solutions can provide both financial protection and the predictability needed to navigate future care needs with confidence.