Living alone after 50, an increasingly common reality

Anyone who thinks that once we reach middle age, life reaches that point of harmonious balance in which there are hardly any variations, is mistaken. Because also at this stage new transitions begin, some abrupt, such as divorces, job changes and the reformulation of goals.

It is true that we cannot equate the current middle age with adolescence. However, we are witnesses of interesting and striking phenomena. For some decades we have seen how this population sector shows new behavioral patterns that may force us to reformulate some ideas. For several decades, psychology has divided the states of human development in a very specific way.

Childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and old age were those life cycles to which certain characteristics were associated. Now a striking gap opens up around 50. It is no longer that time when one prepares for retirement, menopause or experiences such as the empty nest.

Many people give way to divorce and begin a life of solitude, also creating new social networks and professional projections…

Not everyone over 50 feels comfortable being alone.

Living alone after 50, between personal fulfillment and unwanted loneliness

The person who lives alone, especially if they are 50, 60 or 70 years old, is generally seen with some sadness and concern. It is assumed that they are socially isolated and without solid family ties. It is a stereotype deeply rooted in our cultural narratives that, however, does not always have to be true.

It is increasingly common to live alone after the age of 50 and, Sometimes, that loneliness is chosen voluntarily.. An illustrative fact stood out in a recent report by Bowling Green State University in Ohio, United States. The proportion of adults living alone increases every year. It is a phenomenon especially evident among those born after 1960.

Decades ago, for example, those who got divorced, separated or widowed usually ended up living with someone else. Now, however, people are more likely to choose to live alone. Something is changing in our society and this does not affect everyone in the same way.

There are those who live their singleness in a full and enriching way, while others find loneliness weighing on them. and run the risk of leading to states of emotional vulnerability.

Alone, but with good social connections: key to well-being

Eric Klinenberg is a sociologist who has addressed the topic of singleness and loneliness in his book Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone. In this interesting work he brings us the testimony of dozens of people who live alone. Many of them, including those of advanced age, show good mental health rates and have enriching lifestyles. Furthermore, they are deeply involved in the social life of their cities.

Living alone after 50 is an increasingly evident phenomenon in Western countries. This sector of the population is very dynamic and needs to interact with each otherare active people who have reformulated their purposes, their goals and their vision of life.

The key to that psychological flourishing has to do with your social connections. Loneliness is not always synonymous with isolation; In these cases, they have contact with family members and focus their interest on friends.

When living alone after 50 hurts

Living alone is an act that a large part of our society freely chooses. On the other hand, others, due to various life circumstances, see the loneliness of their home as a threat. They live with anxiety, it opens up voids that they do not know how to fill and they suffer numerous daily difficulties. This is a reality of great impact that we cannot neglect or set aside.

Research from Erasmus University Rotterdam, for example, insists on something very specific. There are different types of loneliness and one of them is clearly harmful to physical and mental well-being. Living alone after 50 will not be positive for those who do not have any social support.

There are those who, after a difficult divorce or separation, deal with unresolved grief. Nor can we ignore the fact of the economic disadvantage of living alone.and the risk of exclusion that it represents for many people.

Friendships have decisive value at any stage of life.

Middle age, a sector of the population in constant change

One can choose to live alone beyond 50, but what they will not choose is to be alone, disconnected from their social environment. As we noted at the beginning, middle age as such is fading to give shape to a new stage. One in which the person reformulates many areas of his existence: other professional, emotional and vital goals are sought.

We are no longer faced with that cycle in which one set his sights on retirement while advancing to positions of greater responsibility at work. Now, it is common to change jobs and even leave a marriage behind. Perhaps we should pay more attention to this sector of our society to offer them the support they need. in the face of this set of vital changes.

Not everyone handles these challenging processes the same way. It is true that new opportunities may open up on the horizon, but there are those who view the idea of ​​loneliness with anxiety and only perceive threats. We must be sensitive and provide support and strategies to those who restart their lives on that existential meridian.

You might be interested…