Sailing Life Solo
What is solo aging and why is it important?
According to the 2023 Census data for Lewiston residents 65 and older, 23% of men over 65 and 33% of women live alone.
"As the population ages, it is increasingly necessary to understand the diverse environments and circumstances that influence our health, safety, and wellbeing in later life. One population that remains under-studied is older adults aging without spouses, partners, or close family to provide support, care, or socialization when needed or desired. Using 2018 survey data, AARP estimates that one in eight (12%) adults aged 50 and older in the U.S. are currently aging solo (AARP, 2021). In a 2024 report published by the Mather Institute, it was estimated that, as of 2021, approximately 22.1 million Americans (28%) are aging alone, reflecting an increase since 2018. Much of the solo aging literature calls for better understanding of the challenges, needs, and identities of solo agers, and draws attention to the fact that little thought has been given to how policies and systems can support this growing population"
(Camp, 2023a; Camp 2023b; AARP, 2021; Mather Institute, 2024).
Eileen Fair, a solo ager and member of the Lewiston Senior Advisory Council,will be the guide of this group. The group will discuss topics that people aging alone or responsible for others aging who are facing the impact of growing older. This group is meant to be an interactive discussion, and topics of interest will be driven by the group.
As we age, we encounter challenges and delights. For some of us who are solo agers, that is getting older without a partner, family close by, for example, we can experience a wide range of feelings, moments of being isolated, as well as having the freedom to do things our way!
Join us for conversation about how aging alone can affect us in many different ways. Whether you are recently living alone due to the death of a loved one, a divorce, a move to the community or have been on your own for several years, let's explore what solo aging might mean for you.
Time: 10:15-12:00
Dates: April 28, May 19, June 23, July 21, August 18th
Fee: Free. A light snack and beverages will be provided.