Solo agers — older adults who are single, widowed, or divorced and do not have children — are a growing group, comprising more than 22 million people in the U.S. Like any state in life, being a solo ager comes with benefits as well as challenges.
If you live alone and are considering the next step as you age, you may be wondering if a retirement community is right for you. Discover the advantages of communal living for solo agers, as well as key considerations to keep in mind before making the move.
Benefits of Otterbein SeniorLife for Solo Agers
1. Social engagement is easy
A study published in 2024 by The American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that older adults who were socially connected had a significantly lower risk of developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Additionally, regularly planned social interactions can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and promote better physical health outcomes.
While many solo agers maintain a strong network of friends and family, others struggle to remain engaged or may live far from acquaintances. Transportation, health, and other challenges may also make it difficult to stay connected.
Otterbein can make meeting new people and regularly interacting with others easier and more natural. As you take advantage of amenities on campus, like dining or a fitness center, you’ll encounter new people and get to know them.
From local festivals to game nights and educational lectures, our community events bring fun and energy to everyday life. It’s the perfect place to meet new friends and build lasting bonds.
Related: Which is better for you – staying in your current home or moving to independent living?
2. No more home maintenance and fewer chores
Living in a traditional home can bring a never-ending list of to-dos, including home repairs, upkeep, yard work, and more.
At Otterbein, you don’t need to worry about any of that! Our apartments and homes offer maintenance-free living, including lawn care and snow removal, so you can enjoy your retirement years.
When it comes to chores, you’ll be able to choose what you want to do and what you don’t. Homes and apartments typically offer full-sized kitchens, while studios often provide either a full kitchen or a kitchenette. If you love cooking, you’re free to whip up whatever comes to mind. And if you don’t feel like it or just don’t want to bother anymore, nutritious, chef-inspired meals are available in our dining rooms on campus. Laundry and housekeeping services are also available.
Related: Benefits of senior apartments >>
3. Find peace of mind about your health
In addition to the variety of activities available at each community, we also provide on-campus wellness clinics where our health care professionals help you monitor your overall health. You visit our clinic once a month so we can chart your wellness. Plus, if your needs change, we’ll help you plan additional services or the next level of care here on campus.
- Recreational, educational, and cultural programs
- Monthly wellness screenings, blood pressure, weight, and pulse checks
- Wellness programs to meet your needs
- 24-hour, all-community call systems
- Transportation to outside doctor appointments, if needed
Explore Your Next Step at Otterbein
If you’ve been living independently but wondering, “What’s next?”, consider a place where you can enjoy freedom without the burdens of home maintenance, isolation, or uncertainty.
At Otterbein, you’ll find:
- An Engaging Social Life – Events, clubs, and friendships waiting to happen
- Maintenance-Free Living – Say goodbye to chores and hello to ease
- Built-In Support – Caring staff and services if and when you need them
- Peace of Mind – 24/7 safety, security, and wellness built into every day
- A Life of Fun and Fulfillment –Because your best days are still ahead
Otterbein communities offer a wide range of home and apartment options, including one-bedroom and studio homes perfect for solo agers. Find your nearest Otterbein community and learn more about living options today.
