You are a woman, over 50, you live alone, is this the new you?

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Did you know there is a growing tendency for women to live alone after age 50 and 60?

Are you a woman over 50 who chose to live alone? Do you love your solo life? Or are you struggling? 

The struggles, the challenges, and the good things about living alone after 50

Let’s chat about the struggles first. When I wrote the article Are more women living alone and thriving?” I received many questions and comments. The article didn’t address the struggles of a woman over 50 living alone; people felt I should have shared more about them, and they shared their issues. But don’t worry; I will also address the great things about solo living after 50!

What struggles does a woman over 50 living alone have?

  • Loneliness
  • Making new friends
  • Self-care
  • How do you start over after 50?
  • How do you learn to enjoy doing things alone?

What to know about loneliness and single women over 50

Loneliness is one of the biggest problems for women who live alone at an older age. Loneliness can come from unmet expectations when trying to make new friends.

When we expect deep connections to happen effortlessly, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Instead, focus on small steps toward connection.

Tip: Substitute the word “friend” for “acquaintance”.

I focus on making acquaintances whenever I meet people. It makes it easier to set aside the pressure to make a new friend and lets me off the hook if I don’t connect with anyone.

Why is it good for a woman over 50 to have acquaintances?

Acquaintances are great because you can see them occasionally for coffee or something. There are no expectations, and hopefully, you will have a good chat and a few laughs and see them next month.

What do you do when you feel lonely all the time?

When loneliness is a burden you can’t shake off, you have to examine your living situation and daily life carefully.

  • Get out of your journal and start writing your feelings. You need to dig in there and figure out what is going on. Ask yourself the hard questions and answer honestly. This is for your eyes only!
  • Make an appointment with a therapist to chat with a professional.

Illustration of a woman sitting on a chair under a tree, dog sitting, man holding dog. Woman over 50

Do you feel lonely because you don’t have close friends?

Making friends is like dating. You will need to put yourself in situations where you will meet people and then see them a few times to see if you match. If you don’t, keep them as an acquaintance and keep meeting people.

illustration of women playing cards

How do you meet people if you are alone, feeling lonely and lost?

Look for group activities. Group activities are the safest way to meet people when you feel vulnerable. Think of it like this: if you didn’t meet anyone you liked, at least you did something you wanted. You do not return home empty-handed because you just had a great experience doing something fun. So you must look for group activities that you like!

What do you do if you can’t figure out how to shake the lonely feeling?

I suggest that you seek help. Sometimes, it’s really hard to get unstuck, and we need that second voice. Look for a professional. A professional will help you sort out if your loneliness feeling is also a depression or if it’s something you can change with behavioral therapy or another type of therapy.

Self-care tips for women after 50 and 60

Take care of your body! You must take good care of your body.

  • Exercise.
  • Go on long and short walks. Move your body every day.
  • Join group exercise classes to be around people, meet people, and stay motivated.
  • Eat well.

Create a Support Network: Choose a few people who will be your point of contact in an emergency.

Prioritize Your Health: Do your yearly check-ups!

Stay Engaged: Volunteering, attending classes, or participating in community activities can keep you connected and prevent feelings of isolation.

Join a medical concierge.

A medical concierge can be a lifesaver. If you feel sick, write to or call them; they will help you with whatever you need. They may send a nurse to your home, or if they feel it’s an emergency, they will call an ambulance—peace of mind.

Will you feel better having a medical alert system?

Get one!

photo of part of face of a woman at a beach

Starting Over After 50 or 60

It can be a challenge for a woman over 50 to start over, but it’s also a great time for reinvention!

Many women find this period an opportunity to pursue passions they’d set aside. This phase is the best time to try new things, be curious, and take a few risks!

1) Search for things you are interested in and join the groups or classes.

I’m a big fan of hobbies. I have met many people through my hobbies. I’m always taking a class on one thing or another. I love to sketch, so I joined drawing sessions here in Lisbon. What do you like to do?

2) Entertain yourself.

Take yourself out to dinner and lunch. Go to movies, plays, and music concerts on your own. Treat yourself to fun activities in the evening and during the day.

3) Change your look!

Are you ready to tweak a few things in your wardrobe? This is the perfect time! Study your closet and shop for a few things to upgrade your look. DO NOT go off budget 🙂

4) Make weekly play dates!

Meet people for coffee or a meal at least once a week and have a plan B should they cancel at the last minute. Keep your expectations low, and have lots of fun!

5) Learn something new.

6) Plan for a solo trip and go on the solo trip!

How does a woman over 50 learn to like to do things alone?

There are several ways to enjoy doing things alone. The first is to practice. Small steps will do it.

  • Go to your coffee shop alone and stay for at least 20 minutes. If you feel very uncomfortable after 20 minutes, leave.
  • Go to a movie alone. No one will see if you are uncomfortable, and if you like the movie, you will end up relaxing and enjoying the experience.
  • Do things alone in public for a short time—maybe 20 minutes. With time, you will feel better about being alone. If you don’t practice, it will be hard to overcome your difficulties.
  • Take your journal with you when you go out alone. Venting your discomfort in it will help you relax.

illustration of woman at the airport, carrying a suitcase, blue sky, airplane flying in the background

Living alone doesn’t have to mean living a lesser life. It can be an opportunity to discover what truly makes you happy. Whether exploring a new hobby, connecting with others through activities, or simply enjoying your company.

Remember, it’s okay to have moments of struggle. What matters is how you respond to them.

With a bit of creativity and resilience, living alone after 50 can be a rewarding experience.

Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist

Welcome to the sunny side of life for women over 50! We aim to create a space where women feel empowered, supported, and inspired to lead their best lives after 50. Join our Instagram!

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