As the population ages and lifestyles evolve, more older men are choosing to live on their own. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into this growing trend, showing the very reasons why independent living seem alluring.
More freedom
While many view living alone as a lonely thing, it comes with various benefits. One of those benefits is a higher level of independence and autonomy. According to the Journal of Gerontology, financial independence empowers older men to make choices that align with their preferences and values.
They are more comfortable
Behind closed doors, the person can relax as they fit and do as they please. This leads to a greater sense of comfort for the man who lives on his own and allows him to unwind without other people around.
Less drama
Another benefit that goes hand in hand with living alone is the reduced amount of stress and conflict. This increased tranquility at home improves overall happiness, according to the National Institute of Health, and reduces the impact of toxic relationships on the individual.
They can set the rules
By the time older men enter the later period of their lives, they are pretty set in their ways, routines and how they like things done. Living alone allows them to follow their already established routines without having to compromise on anything.
Improved focus
When living alone, a person can go at their own pace and dedicate their time and attention to the things that they deem fit. Such things are proven to be beneficial for a person’s mental sharpness and cognitive abilities.
More emotional stability
During the course of their lifetimes, men tend to form dependent bonds with those around them. However, this isn’t the case with elderly men who live on their own, who tend to be more emotionally resilient than their cohabitating peers.
They can take on new opportunities
Another reason why older men are now choosing to live on their own is due to the freedom that it offers them. No longer do they need to ask permission before doing something or going somewhere, they just do it. This has also led to an increase in solo travel for the older generation, as stated by National Geographic.
Higher energy levels
Not only do men who live on their own tend to do more physical exercise and stay in better shape, but they are also more able to avoid mentally draining social situations. Thereby ensuring that they have both more physical and mental energy.
Their home, their design
They say that every man’s home is his castle, and this could not be more true for those men who live on their own. They are the ones that are in charge of creating their own perfect environment, increasing their creativity and reducing distractions that they don’t like.
They can be selectively social
When living with another person, you can feel obligated to do things, even if you do not want to. This cannot be said for people living alone, who, according to the APA, experience less of the impact of social expectations on their mental health.
More defined personal boundaries
Living alone allows a person to value their social activities and solitude even more than they did before. It also allows them to establish healthier boundaries with the people in their lives, which Psychology Today states is the key to a good life.
Higher level of self-sufficiency
When people live on their own, they are the ones that have to take care of everything both inside and outside the home. Older men who live by themselves take pride in their ability to take care of themselves.
Always in good company
Men who choose to live on their own in later life are proven to enjoy their own company more than those who choose to live with others. By refusing to accept the norms that society tries to put on them, they can be a more authentic version of themselves.
Self discovery
Psychology Today highlights that living alone for the older generation allows them more time for self-reflection which in turn allows for more personal growth. This greatly improves both their emotional well-being and their overall life satisfaction and happiness.
Better appreciation of the little things in life
When living alone, a person is able to find more joy in the quieter moments and simpler activities that life has to offer them. This allows men who live alone to enjoy the little moments of their later years.
Better coping mechanisms
Older men who live on their own are also more prepared for life’s challenges and are equipped with coping mechanisms for navigating them with healthy responses. This is mainly due to the fact that they have grown accustomed to doing things themselves.
More enriching relationships
People who live on their own are very selective when it comes to who they spend time with. Choosing to only have enriching social experiences rather than just having them for the sake of it or because they have, which ensures quality over quantity.
Better decision-making capabilities
Living alone allows a lot of time for thought, paving the way for greater clarity and insight during a person’s moments of solitude. This allows a person to build a better connection with their intuition, and improve their decision-making abilities.
