How to Navigate Life as a “Solo Senior”

Most of us assume that our children or other family members will help take care of us when we get older. Many seniors rely on their spouse or children to help manage their finances, monitor their health, and perform everyday tasks that they are no longer able to perform themselves. However, for some seniors, this is not an option. In fact, almost 22% of seniors are “solo seniors” – those age 55 or over who are unmarried and do not have children living nearby.[1]

For this group, navigating the unique struggles of life as a senior citizen can be very difficult – especially if they do not have a plan in place.  If you feel that you may become a “solo senior,” there are steps that you should take now to prepare for what could happen if you are unable to care for yourself.

Reconsider Your Living Situation

According to a recent survey, more than half of “solo seniors” have no one to call if they are confined to bed or if they need someone to drive them home from a medical procedure. If this is a concern for you, you may want to consider changing your living situation. If you live alone in a house in the suburbs and you fall in the bedroom, for example, it could be hours or even days before someone discovers that you are in distress. However, if you live in a senior apartment or independent living community, you will be a part of a larger group of people who are also in your situation and who will be more likely to check in on each other.

Even if you decide to stay at home, it is important for you to build a network of people who will look out for you in the event that something happens. Whether you become better acquainted with your neighbors, get to know friends from church or a social club, or even hire a geriatric care manager to see to your needs, it is vital that you have a community around you who will be able to recognize that you need help and provide the help that is needed when the time comes.

Put a Strong Estate Plan in Place

Everyone over the age of eighteen needs (at a minimum) an advance medical directive and financial power of attorney. However, for “solo seniors,” this need is even more critical. An advance medical directive allows you to appoint someone who has the authority to make medical decisions for you and outlines your wishes for end-of-life care. A financial power of attorney allows you to appoint someone to manage your finances for you if you are unable to manage them on your own. Without these documents in place, if you become incapacitated, it may be necessary for someone to petition a court to become your guardian and conservator, so they can make these decisions for you – and that person might not be who you would have wanted making those decisions.

If you are a “solo senior,” you may be wondering who you can name on these documents. It is true that most clients name spouses or children, but other options include siblings, nieces and nephews, family friends, and even financial advisors and attorneys.  

Another decision to make is who will inherit your assets upon your death. Many “solo seniors” may consider leaving money to charities or nonprofit organizations. If this is the case, there may be special planning to be done and various documents to be taken into consideration. It is always a good idea to seek the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney when having these documents prepared.

There are many difficult decisions that seniors must make, and for “solo seniors,” these decisions can be even more challenging. It is important to make sure you have a plan now, so that when the time comes, you can enjoy your senior years rather than worrying about who will take care of you if something should happen. Building a network of friends, family, and trusted professionals such as financial advisors, elder law and estate planning attorneys, and geriatric care managers can help you transition smoothly into life as a “solo senior.”

[1] All statistics in this article are from the following source: Elizabeth O’Brien, A Solo Senior’s Guide to Happiness, Money Magazine, November 2018, at 53.

Ask Kit Kat: Bongos at Norfolk, VA Zoo

Hook Law Center: Kit Kat, what can you tell us about the newborn bongos at the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk?

Kit Kat: Well, until I had read the article about them, I was not really sure what bongos are. Bongos are critically endangered animals from eastern, western, and central Africa. They belong to the antelope species, but they have whitish stripes on their side and long, spiraled horns. In short, they are magnificent creatures. Norfolk is fortunate to have them. Bongos are herbivores, and as adults measure around 5 feet tall. They are endangered in their native habitat due to poaching, habitat destruction, and diseases common to livestock.

Two calves were born on Dec. 26, 2018 to two different mothers. Johnny was born to 12-year old Juni and Bob. Johnny is about 2 feet tall, and his weight is about 44 pounds. Later in the day, mother Jesi (a 3-year old) went into labor, but after having problems, was delivered  of her calf through cesarean section. Her calf is a female named Charlie. Charlie also is 2 feet tall, but her weight is about 48 pounds. Charlie has been bottle-fed, since Jesi is still recovering from her surgery. Charlie appears to be thriving with this mother-substitute.

The number of bongos in the Virginia Zoo’s Okavango Delta exhibit is now 8. Baxter was born in March 2018, and a female named Joy was born Dec.25, 2017. The zoo said no visitors will be allowed to see the newborn calves until they are bigger and stronger. They will keep the public updated as to the calves’ progress via Facebook. (Katherine Hafner, “Virginia Zoo gets a pair of bongos for Christmas,” The Virginian-Pilot, January 3, 2019, pg.3)