How Does Estate Planning Support Solo Aging?

During the past two decades, the U.S. fertility rate has declined and is now at a historically low level. As more people choose to live a single and childless life, the question arises: Who will care for me when I need help now or later in life? The Orange County Register’s article, “Aging Alone: How to build a team of care experts,” provides several recommendations.

Solo agers will need a team made up of an estate planning attorney, financial advisor, and CPA. All of the team members will need to understand goals and objectives, which will help plan for the future while keeping an eye on financial decisions. They’ll need to know about your current and future concerns to plan for incapacity.

An estate planning attorney may recommend a geriatric care manager to help singles address concerns about health, finances, and housing as they age. A geriatric care manager can also help coordinate caregiving and other services.

The most important thing is to plan ahead. Have an estate plan created, including a plan for care if health declines and a plan for when death occurs, so assets are distributed according to directions. An estate plan allows an estate to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and protect privacy.

Be sure documents are up-to-date and reflect current wishes. This includes trusts, power of attorney, last will and testament, and healthcare directives.

If there is no estate plan, now is the time to meet with an experienced estate planning attorney and create one.

Solo agers need to name a person to act as their agent in case of incapacity. This is done with a Power of Attorney. Be sure the person named agrees to take on this role. The same holds true for the trustee who is in charge of any trusts. These individuals will need to know where relevant documents are and should have contact information for the estate planning attorney, financial advisor, and CPA.

Many estate planning attorneys recommend that their clients create a hard copy loose-leaf binder or folder, which includes healthcare documents needed in an emergency, a medication list, and contact information for important people, and place it in an easily found location. Some recommend keeping information on the refrigerator door for easy access by first responders.

Planning for the future, having an estate plan, and organizing finances allows solo agers to focus on enjoying life to the fullest. Peace of mind comes from advance planning.

For solo agers, estate planning is more than just preparing documents—it’s about building a trusted support network and ensuring your wishes are honored throughout every stage of life. Whether you need to appoint decision-makers, organize your finances, or plan for long-term care, thoughtful preparation today can safeguard your independence and give you confidence for the future. At The Werner Law Firm, our compassionate estate planning attorneys help individuals create comprehensive plans that reflect their unique circumstances and priorities.

If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.

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Reference: The Orange County Register (September 21, 2025) “Aging Alone: How to build a team of care experts”