Older Adults Without Close Family Connections Face Unique Challenges

Why it matters locally: With a significant portion of its population consisting of older adults, Hawaii is particularly sensitive to the national trend of solo agers, potentially increasing demand on local healthcare and social services provided by agencies such as the Honolulu Emergency Services Department and the County of Hawaiʻi County Building.

---

A demographic of older adults is navigating the aging process without the immediate support of children or a spouse. Experts identify this group as "solo agers." These individuals face the prospect of later life without a primary family caregiver. Carl Smigielski, 61, exemplifies this experience. He is single following the death of his husband, Moshe, in 2019. Smigielski anticipates aging without a family member to rely on for support. One expert describes this situation as a societal reality that requires support, rather than a problem demanding a solution. The increasing number of solo agers indicates a need for adaptations in how communities and services address the needs of an aging population. Changes designed to assist solo agers could ultimately benefit a wider segment of society.