Aging alone doesn’t have to mean aging unsupported. For women navigating life independently—whether single, divorced, widowed, or simply without nearby family—creating a thoughtful plan is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself.
More and more women are aging solo. In fact, nearly one in five adults over 65 are considered “solo agers,” and women are disproportionately represented due to longer life expectancies and the rise in “gray divorce.” But while these statistics may seem daunting, the truth is that aging well is less about circumstances and more about preparation.
Why Planning Matters—Now More Than Ever
Many women have spent a lifetime caring for others, managing households, careers, and crises with ease. But when it comes to your own future, self-sufficiency needs to be paired with proactive planning. Cognitive and physical changes can come on gradually or all at once. Without key documents and trusted people in place, decisions about your health, home, or finances could fall to the courts—or worse, to someone who doesn’t truly know what you would want.
Putting a plan in place now helps preserve what matters most: your dignity, comfort, and control over how you live and age.
Creating Your Circle of Support
No one ages well in isolation. Building a trusted network—what we call your “circle of care”—can help you stay independent longer and with greater confidence. This might include a healthcare proxy to advocate for your medical wishes, a durable power of attorney for financial decisions, and perhaps a co-trustee to help manage your assets seamlessly. Financial advisors, elder care managers, estate attorneys, and CPAs all play different but equally critical roles in supporting your goals.
The key is communication. These professionals should not be working in silos—they should be part of a team that understands your vision and collaborates to support it. Choosing a point person to coordinate this team, whether a professional or a deeply trusted friend, ensures decisions stay aligned with your wishes.
The Legal Foundation
Having your essential documents in place is non-negotiable. That means not only creating a will and possibly a revocable trust, but also reviewing your healthcare proxy, durable power of attorney, and HIPAA release regularly—ideally every few years. If these documents aren’t current or properly executed, your wishes may not be honored when it matters most.
Just as important is keeping this information organized. A “master file” that includes your estate documents, account information, key contacts, and medical directives should be easy to locate and update. Think of it as a gift to those who may need to step in on your behalf someday.
Rethinking Where—and How—You Age
Where you live matters, not just for safety or convenience, but for your sense of purpose and connection. Some women prefer to stay in their homes, layering in support through in-home care, local programs, and naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs). Others find fulfillment in independent or assisted living communities where engagement and support go hand in hand.
The best time to evaluate these options is well before you need them. Tour communities. Ask hard questions. Consider your finances—and just as importantly, what brings you joy. Aging with intention means making choices that align with your values, not just your needs.
Living With Purpose, Not Just a Plan
Yes, the documents matter. The logistics matter. But thriving as you age also depends on having a sense of purpose and connection. That might mean exploring new interests, volunteering, building a chosen family, or simply finding a community that uplifts you.
The truth is, planning doesn’t have to be somber or clinical. Done well, it’s empowering. It’s creative. It’s your opportunity to design a life that reflects who you are—and protects what matters most.
So when should you start? Now. Because the cost of doing nothing isn’t just financial—it’s personal, and you deserve better than leaving your future to chance. Contact your team at Twelve Points to begin the conversation.
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