How to Navigate Retirement as a Single Senior

Plenty of seniors retire without a significant other. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your post-retirement life solo. You’ve worked hard your whole life, and you deserve to relax and have fun. 

You might feel intimidated at the thought of navigating retirement as a single person. Knowing your options can help you feel better about the process. Here’s what you should know about retiring without a romantic partner. 

Know Your Living Options: Senior Living

If you want to foster a sense of community and connection, consider moving into a senior living community. In senior living Phoenix, you’re surrounded by other retired adults who want to enjoy their later years. 

Senior living communities host events, activities, and classes to encourage residents to socialize. By participating in social events, you can form deep friendships and meaningful connections in your community. 

Make a Long-Term Care Plan

In case you ever need long-term medical care, you should make a clear plan. Your care plan should outline the types of treatments you consent to and living arrangements you’re comfortable with. 

Healthcare and senior living staff members will need your long-term care plan if you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. You should also share this plan with a trusted friend or family member to make sure providers follow it. This person can speak up on your behalf if you are unable to do so. 

Financial Planning for Long-Term Care

Include notes about how you’re going to pay for any long-term or rehabilitation care you receive. This might require you to pull from investment accounts or high-yield savings. 

Need a Furry Friend? Think About Getting a Pet

You might be single, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone in life. Furry friends reduce feelings of depression and loneliness. When you have a pet to take care of, you’re less likely to fall into a rut or feel stuck. 

Cats and dogs are the most common household pets, and many senior living communities allow these pets in residences. Owning a pet can bring a lot of joy into your life as you watch them grow up and thrive. 

Stay in Touch With Loved Ones

Make sure you keep in touch with your family and friends, even if you move to a senior living community. With modern technology, you can text, call, or video chat with anyone at the click of a button. 

Staying in touch with the people you care about will help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Arrange for in-person visits whenever possible; nothing beats face-to-face time!

Single Seniors Are Not Alone in Retirement 

Being single doesn’t have to be a disadvantage in your retirement years. By connecting with others (human and furry friends alike), you can enjoy your later years to the fullest. Don’t feel alone if you’re retiring as a single senior. You’ve got this!