Midlife women are doing it again. As we did in our 20s, we are questioning fundamentals, challenging the status quo, being stubbornly bohemian and embracing the unconventional. Boomers are tenaciously breaking down stereotypes about aging and redefining life after 60. However, this raises an important question. Now that we are living longer, healthier and more independent lives, where and how are we all going to live? Thanks to new communications technologies, generally better health and a multitude of transportation options, more women over 60 than ever are abandoning cities and deciding to live alone. Living Alone as a Choice Whether by choice or chance, the number of older women living alone is increasing. In fact, according to the , 37% of women in the U. I recently asked members of the Sixty and Me community if they would prefer to live alone, with others, or in a managed community. Their comments were also interesting and emphatically support the argument that many older women want to simplify, live in a smaller space, stay independent and connect with family and friends through technology. Nor does living alone after 60 condemn a person to a life of solitude. Eric Klinenbert, author of has conducted research that shows that people living alone are statistically more likely to reach out, socialize and build strong social networks than their peers who are married. It is fairly obvious why young people move to cities. They relocate to find work, romance, education, entertainment, and opportunity! As we age, our priorities shift and city life starts to look less desirable. Life outside the city is often cheaper, less chaotic and healthier. In addition, modern communication and transportation technologies allow us to stay connected with the people we care about, without having to live right next door. Is it Time for a New Kind of Retirement Community? Given the fact that so many women over 60 are embracing solo living and enjoying their independence and freedom, perhaps it is time for a new kind of retirement community. The future is looking great for boomer women, who are at the forefront of a creative explosion of independent solo living! What do you think? Are you are a big city, small town or country person? Do you prefer living alone? Please join the conversation. I live alone and enjoy my own company. I can snore without being nudged. I can go out without worrying about feeding partner,come home when I like,lay in bed till I like,eat what I like even if a sandwich for dinner,watch tv programs I like and even fart if I like. There are so many other interesting ways to spend time and feel great. After age 60 with the kids grown up, living for SELF is refreshing… and doing all the things you could not do in younger years due to other obligations. Condos are too expensive. More housing options which the average person can afford. It is geared toward couples. In many, many respects I have truly loved my independence in living alone. I cherish being able to keep me own thoughts, and pretty much come and go as I please, except for my dogs who require much attention. However, at this point in my life, I would much, much like to have a male companion, one with whom I might or might not share an abode. The downside of living alone and keeping ones own thoughts, is how difficult it becomes to tolerate the attitudes of people with whom you deeply disagree, even if in my respects there are other things you share with them, because somehow, even in sharing same likes, deeply held opinions affect and come out in that situation causing disappointment, sadness, anger. I answer to no one but myself. I can eat a bowl of cereal for dinner. I love my family and friends, but when I come home, I have a darling puppy dog to keep me company. I never feel lonely. My only real concern is when I get sick recently had pneumonia and I was having breathing issues. Drove myself to the hospital only a mile from my house and they wanted to admit me, but I said no as I have my puppy dog to think about. I hate the loneliness. I miss the cuddling most. Too many pros to living on my own. But at the end of the day, I want to be alone! Though I enjoyed having my children living with me when they were growing up,I love the privacy and solitude I have had for the past 15 years. But they usually want someone for more than just a dinner or movie date. While it would be nice to have a man who would do things for me around the house, I have never met a man who really wanted to do anything. They seem more interested in what I can do for them. I am not bashing, just stating fact. If I have to do everything for myself or pay someone to do it I may as well live alone. I date and I do enjoy talking with men, spending time a man but until I meet a man who wants to share responsibility and wants a home. I may as well live alone.. I also spend time on the canals with a friend, and see my children as often as I can.. I believe I´m too independent for their test! I´ve been living alone for more than 30 years. Been alone for 6 years now except my 21 year old grandson lives with me whom I raised. I get lonely for companionship but like my independence and not having to answer to anyone. Have most always been somewhat independent anyways. Not much luck in the dating department. To independent I guess. I like the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and to be free to spend a day watching clouds roll by, or playing with my grandchildren with no responsibility other than to myself. I am someone who writes and creates full time now that I am retired and the peace and quiet are a blessing when I am at my desk. I may be alone but certainly not lonely. In fact, my ex-husband actually told the divorce lawyer that was one of the reasons he was divorcing me and wanted on the divorce decree. One of the others was that I never made him liver during our marriage. I do have many friends and several boyfriends have liked, and invited themselves to move into my 3rd bedroom. I like my freedom and independence and ability to make my own schedule. Life is good at 67! I had been married for 28 years at that point. The difference is remarkable. At first it was a struggle, but with each passing year I enjoy it more and more. I finally have some say-so in my own life, my kids are grown and I am enjoying life in a whole new way. I admit I get lonely sometimes, because I miss the intimacy of relationship, but I love how my space is mine, and when I walk through the door at the end of the work day I just heave a sigh of relief. Not sure I could live with anyone anymore. I love the quiet. No live in guy, no marriage for me. I care for my Mum at hers,then look after grandkids.. And im happy and contented.. I love being independent and in control of my own life after being married and divorced twice. I have two children and 2 gransons and I see all of them on a weekly basis. I now have a close companship with a chap and we share alternative weekends and short breaks away together, but I love having my own little place and my alone time there. It goes without saying, however, that if the other calls for help of any kind, I will respond present! Nonetheless, I am not in a relation, I feel perfectly fine with my own self, I have learnt to love and accept me. I love the freedom and the knowledge that I am not part of a relationship which causes me grief and anger. I have two wonderful sons from my second marriage and a gorgeous Grandson, I have a large circle of good girlfriends and life is very full and enjoyable. I live in an area that may be described as mid-way between city and country living, a small city-like suburb of a larger city. I can go days without seeing them.. Dont think where you live matters when meeting a suitable guy to date.. Iv never dated a local man in 9yrs.. The lovely man im dating at the moment lives over an hours drive away.. So perhaps you need to look further afield. I love being alone.. I dont fear it.. And you cannot live happily with another.. But although i couldnt live with anyone all time, i do find being on my own ALL the time can wear a bit thin, especially in winter. My only child and two grands live about 2 hrs away and I just go when I feel like it. But we ALWAYS have something going on at our clubhouse. But you have to go and get involved!
