Solo aging: Tips for Canadian seniors to stay more independent for longer

July 19, 2024

Staying as independent as possible is the most common goal among older adults. Living alone is most prevalent in older age groups in Canada, with nearly half (42 per cent) of adults over 85 dwelling solo.

With delayed retirements, empty nests and grey divorces keeping them active, “solo agers” — people over 60 who live alone — are helping redefine what aging looks like today. In this article, Dr. Matthew Chow, a Psychiatrist and the Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS Health, shares how solo agers can look after themselves and live their best lives.

Read on to learn how you can:

Enjoy better overall health
Talk about aging with your kids and grandkids
Combat the health risks of loneliness
Plan for aging in place
Embrace new technology for aging

Enjoy better overall health as a solo ager

Life expectancy today is generally longer worldwide, and many of us can experience better health and longevity. With advancements in healthcare and available resources, we have more opportunities than ever to manage our health and wellbeing well into our senior years and proactively improve it.

"We live in an interesting time because the miracles of public health and medicine have significantly increased our life expectancy. We have many generations coexisting now with different expectations and values about what’s important to them," Dr. Chow explains.

Many of us choose to stay engaged by remaining in or returning to the workforce, taking up new hobbies and staying active. While living alone or aging in place may be more comfortable for some older adults, it can also create conflict among family members concerned about our safety and isolation.

Talk about aging with your loved ones

Patience and clear communication are essential as we navigate changing family dynamics. A common challenge is when our adult children or grandchildren shift into more of a caregiver role. For example, they might introduce new technology or start talking about senior living centres and support workers. It can come as a shock at first, but listening to their worries and concerns with an open mind can go a long way toward reducing stress and confusion for everyone.

“To the parent, it might feel like their child is telling them what to do or micromanaging. But, perhaps, what they’re actually doing is showing they care about their parents’ wellbeing,” explains Dr. Chow. “When hearing it from that angle, it might be easier to compromise or find ways to talk about senior health more openly,” he adds.

While navigating these changing family dynamics, solo agers must also be mindful of a unique but significant health risk: loneliness.

Combat the health risks of loneliness

Although solo aging is increasingly common, it can lead to increased loneliness, social isolation and vulnerability if we don’t plan for it properly. Our family and friend networks are vital to feeling connected and engaged. Without them, we can be more likely to experience chronic health conditions, depression and cognitive decline. Staying socially engaged can make you less likely to develop dementia, for example.

"Data shows that loneliness and social isolation can be as harmful to our health as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day," says Dr. Chow.

He advises not to be shy about reaching out for support and socialization with family, friends, and neighbours — and offering it in return. "Just as we contemplate things like how to keep people safe or from having falls, it's essential to maintain social engagement," Dr. Chow says.

Beyond activities like Bingo nights and pickleball, we can explore new and expanding social outlets, including volunteering programs and online communities to foster relationships.

"In places like Scandinavia, communities are structured to encourage kids to interact with seniors. We see immense benefits for both age groups," Dr. Chow explains, highlighting the power of intergenerational socialization.

Plan for aging in place

Maintaining independence involves caring for our physical and mental health and communicating changes, concerns and priorities. For example, less than half of Canadians have talked to their healthcare providers about what to do if they experience a fall. Dr. Chow explains that planning and communication are crucial to reducing health risks and enhancing our quality of life.

Talking about plans with family members and healthcare providers before something happens can help avoid confusion and grey areas.

"It is important to talk to your loved ones and physicians about your plans and wishes to help avoid adverse health outcomes,” he advises.

Staying on top of medical appointments, tests and medications is essential to maintaining good health. Adequate physical activity, nutrition, and socialization are equally vital. Regular physical activity reduces our risk of cardiovascular and frailty, offering an excellent outlet for exploring new activities and communities that suit our pace.

Embrace new technology for solo aging

As solo agers enjoy their best lives, embracing technology can help maintain independence and safety. From artificial intelligence (AI) to virtual care to medical alert systems, technology offers us new ways to enhance our ability to live life to its fullest.

"There's a stereotype about older adults being less familiar with tech,” Dr. Chow observes. He has found that many older adults regularly use technology and that adopting some tech can also benefit their loved ones.

Exploring home technologies that help ensure safety, such as stoves that turn themselves off or that provide access to emergency support if need be and mobile apps that alert family members in emergencies, can help keep loved ones connected even from afar. "Home technologies can help people age in place with dignity and comfort," he emphasizes.

By planning for our healthcare needs, leveraging technology and maintaining social connections and activity, we can enjoy a more fulfilling and independent lifestyle. "Aging is something best experienced with others, and sharing the responsibility and utilizing technology can help everyone feel safer and more confident in the years ahead," Dr. Chow encourages.