10 Tips for Women Retiring Solo
Sometimes it feels like the world is built for couples, but more and more independent, retired women are proudly choosing to live solo and free. We’ve done our time raising kids, juggling responsibilities, and putting others first. Now, the last thing many of us want is to take care of another adult, clean up after someone else, or justify why we’re heading off on another solo travel adventure! This is our time—to live on our own terms, explore the world, and enjoy the freedom that comes with single, retired living.
Whether by circumstances or choice, the U.S. Census Bureau has documented that there are more than 20 million unmarried U.S. residents aged 65 and older. Pew Research estimates that 27% of adults 60 and older live alone. Those numbers are likely to increase as being single, once stigmatized as a lonely or unhappy state, is now seen as a valid lifestyle choice. More and more people are making a conscious decision to remain partner-free (versus partnerless), and societal norms are becoming more open to different ways of living.
Women especially are living alone in greater numbers. For example, research conducted by the Administration on Aging found that 37% of U.S. women over 65 live by themselves, are happy about it, and wouldn’t want to live any other way!
Nonetheless, there are some challenges to retiring alone, so I’ve pulled together a few tips to mitigate the downsides:
1. Financial Literacy Anxiety
Did you know that more than half of single women say they feel either a moderate or a lot of anxiety about their personal financial security? Financial security is a top concern for solo retirees, and rightfully so. Without a partner’s income or support, you’ll need to ensure your money lasts.
Lower lifetime earnings, interrupted careers, child-rearing, caregiving, and a lower rate of remarriage all contribute to women retiring with fewer assets and savings. Financial insecurity can also stem from having less knowledge of or experience in managing personal finances.
Whether you’re currently married or not, it’s important to educate yourself about money. Being proactive about your finances will give you confidence and peace of mind.
Know Your Numbers: Assess your retirement savings, pension, and Social Security benefits.
Get Educated: Take a financial planning course or consult with a professional.
Budget Smart: Track expenses and adjust spending where needed. Downsizing or relocating to a lower-cost area can be a game-changer.
There are plenty of workshops, books, and even free services available, so there’s no excuse for not educating yourself.
2. Maintain a Daily Schedule & Find a Purpose
Experts suggest that a major contributor to rapid aging and a decline in health and well-being after retirement is the lack of schedule, purpose, and activity that a job often provides. Work gives you a reason to get up every day and some degree of accountability.
When you retire—especially if you live alone—having a place to go every day and something purposeful to do is an important aspect of staying vital, connected, and active. Being socially engaged, having a sense of purpose, and belonging within a community all help keep the mind sharp and the memory strong.
Pursue Passion Projects: Take up painting, gardening, or writing that book you’ve always wanted to.
Volunteer: Giving back to your community can be incredibly rewarding.
Consider a Side Hustle: A small business, consulting, or part-time gig can provide both income and engagement.
A well-structured day keeps you motivated and excited about life.
3. Consider Adopting, Fostering, or Pet-Sitting a Furry Friend
The research on the benefits of owning a dog is overwhelming, especially if you are single. Beyond emotional benefits like unconditional love, physical comfort, and a reason to exercise, a study from Australia found that pet owners had lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and a lower heart attack risk than people without pets.
As for owning a cat? Well… you’ll have to ask a cat lover!
4. Develop Your Network
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, maintaining friendships is critical to your health and well-being. That doesn’t mean you should start ‘collecting’ people—true friends are rare gems.
Friendships are essential to a happy retirement. Cultivate a close circle of people you can count on, and make an effort to stay socially engaged.
Join Clubs & Groups: Whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or art class, shared interests lead to meaningful connections.
Strengthen Existing Friendships: Regular phone calls, meetups, or video chats keep relationships strong.
5. Form a Buddy System
You need people you can rely on emotionally and who are willing to act in your best interests if you are ill or injured. Don’t fall into the false security of thinking you’ve got everything stored in your phone—what if you’re unconscious? Who is going to unlock your phone and locate it?
Have a trusted friend or neighbor who checks in on you, and vice versa. Create a buddy system with a group of friends and put them on your ‘authorized’ list at the doctor’s office and hospital. Support each other with rides home after an operation or procedure, and never allow anyone to be alone when they’re meeting with a specialist regarding potentially life-threatening results.
Ensure you swap information such as next-of-kin, spare keys, where your last will and testament is lodged, and a list of pre-existing medical conditions and regular medications.
6. Stay Social
Besides practical support, there is ample research proving the benefits of being social as we age. The links between healthy social relationships and better health are well established. One study from Pennsylvania State University found that when social activities are linked to physical exercise, even more benefits are achieved. So join that salsa dancing class, walking club, or mahjong group—or if you can’t find one you like, start your own!
Exercise Daily: Whether it’s yoga, swimming, or simply walking, movement keeps you strong and independent.
Challenge Your Mind: Learn a new language, play brain games, or take online courses to keep your cognitive skills sharp.
7. Alternative Living Solutions
Housing is generally our biggest retirement expense. With a cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages in many countries, there is no easy answer. However, single women have more flexibility in choosing where to live. Some options include:
Living Abroad: A great opportunity but can be emotionally exhausting if you must relocate every three months due to visa limits.
Walkable Communities: Ideal if you no longer drive.
Finding Roommates: Sharing a home can cut costs and provide built-in support—but choose wisely!
Retirement Communities: These offer built-in socialization but check the culture and costs before committing.
Going Tiny: If it’s just you, could you live in a tiny home? Some love the simplicity, while others prefer a small home with a little more space.
Village to Village Networks (VtVN): These hyper-local neighborhood groups offer community engagement and support.
8. Identify Financial and Health Proxies
As a single person, it’s critical to document who can speak for you and make decisions if you become unable to do so. Consider appointing a financial and healthcare proxy, and ensure they know your wishes.
9. Take Special Note of Your Heart Health
According to the American College of Cardiology, single adults are 5% more likely to develop heart disease than their married peers. Be proactive about your health with regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management.
10. Don’t Give Up on Travel
Travel is the number one goal of most retirees. Just because you are single doesn’t mean you have to give up on your wanderlust—but more on that another day…
