Older Adults Without Close Family Connections Face Unique Challenges

Why it matters locally: Virginia, with a significant elderly population, will likely need to assess and adapt its social services and community programs to better support 'solo agers' as their numbers increase across the state.

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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.