Still, the picture is nuanced. While many embrace the freedom living alone brings, others say the hardest part is missing connection. One 57-year-old solo ager told us, “The worst thing about living alone is being lonely when there is nothing to do and not going out with friends or family.”

Loneliness is not just an unpleasant feeling; it is linked to many negative health consequences, including a higher risk of developing dementia, depression, even heart disease. It’s also costly for taxpayers. An AARP study from 2017 found a lack of social contact among older adults is associated with an additional $6.7 billion in Medicare spending annually.

AARP has an extensive array of programs that solo agers may find helpful in combating loneliness. As part of our core mission to promote lifelong fulfillment, we have always recognized that staying engaged and connected is good medicine for healthy aging. That is why we’ve built a growing network of partners, volunteers and community programs to help Americans—solo agers included—pursue passions and meet like-minded people. These programs create a pathway to connection.

A great place to start is aarp.org/community. Here you’ll find ways to join with like-minded people over 50, including groups for foodies, techies and beyond. These options are designed for flexibility, ensuring that every solo ager can find the level of connection that feels both comfortable and meaningful.

Another meeting place is local.aarp.org—a hub where you can explore nearby events, discover volunteer opportunities and find activities that reflect what matters most to you. From caregiver support groups to learning programs and fraud prevention workshops, there’s something for everyone.

For those interested in volunteering, AARP offers many options. For example, Marylou Murry, 75, has been with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide—the largest free, volunteer-run tax-assistance program in the country—for 12 years, since her husband, Don, passed away and she found herself “looking for opportunities to give meaning to my life.”

One of our most impactful efforts is the Ethel Circle, a closed Facebook community of women who celebrate life at every age. Members connect through lively conversations, a weekly newsletter and local Ethel Gathering Groups, which host small, informal meetups that transform online ties into lasting friendships. Each connection—big or small—can enrich daily life, offering belonging, purpose and the reassurance that you are never too old to make new friends. Living alone does not mean living lonely.

AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus once said, “Old age is not a defeat but a victory.”

I encourage you to celebrate that victory—by embracing your passions, exploring new interests and building connections that bring meaning to your life. And if you need help deciding what to do, AARP may have just what you’re looking for.