Solo Aging
Our projects
We are learning from older adults aging alone in rural communities.
And we have convened a study group to better understand how to support solo agers.
Aging without support from others for healthcare decision making, personal care needs, housing and transportation assistance, or for emotional and social connection can be uniquely challenging for rural older adults who may have limited access to broadband and who often have to travel long distances to get to people and services. CAPRA staff are partnering with others to learn more, raise awareness, and generate ideas on how to address the often unique needs and preferences of solo agers.
— CAPRA co-directors, Mary Lou Ciolfi and Kimberly Snow partnered with MCD Global, with funding from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to explore what rural health and social service providers know about solo aging and how older adults aging alone experience the benefits and worries of solo aging. The project generated a solo aging resource website and a final report to raise awareness of the solo ager experiences — both concerns and strengths. Solo agers and providers will find helpful insights and resource links. View the website and final report. www.soloaging resourcecenter.org
— CAPRA has recently convened the LYNX (Living Your Novel Experience) Solo Aging Interest Group with colleague and former University of Maine faculty member, Kenneth Elliott. LYNX is a group of 20+ community leaders interested in learning more about solo aging for themselves and to support their communities. The group is developing short and longer term goals to influence local programming and state and local policy, and to raise awareness of the topic among cross-sector leaders. The group will explore progammatic, policy, advocacy, and research ideas to keep solo aging at the forefront of community and policy conversations.
For more information on our solo aging projects, contact Mary Lou Ciolfi at marylou.ciolfi@maine.edu