Redefining Investment: How Solo Agers Shape Our Future
By Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA®, Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC & Navigating Solo Network
Host, The Navigating Solo™ Podcast
In recent political discourse, a video of a current political candidate resurfaced suggesting that those who are childfree / solo agers have less investment in the United States because they are not raising a future generation. This viewpoint is not only narrow but also fails to recognize the profound and multifaceted contributions solo agers make to society. Solo agers, those who navigate life without the reliable support of adult children or other family members, play a critical role in the world and in the United States, and their impact should not be underestimated or overlooked.
Economic Contributions
Solo agers are significant contributors to the economy. Many have long, productive careers, often extending well beyond the traditional retirement age. They bring years of experience and expertise to the workforce, often serving as mentors to younger colleagues. Additionally, their spending on goods, services, and experiences fuels economic growth, supporting businesses and creating jobs.
Moreover, solo agers often have the financial means to invest in their communities. They contribute to local economies through homeownership, taxes, and discretionary spending. Their economic impact is substantial and cannot be dismissed simply because they do not have children.
Civic Engagement
Solo agers are deeply invested in their communities. They volunteer, participate in local governance, and support charitable causes. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, older adults, including solo agers, contribute billions of hours of service annually, addressing critical issues such as hunger, homelessness, and education. Their civic engagement strengthens social cohesion and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
Cultural and Social Contributions
Solo agers enrich our cultural and social fabric. They are artists, writers, educators, and thought leaders. Their life experiences and perspectives add depth to our collective understanding and appreciation of the world. Many solo agers are also caregivers, providing essential support to aging parents, relatives, friends, and neighbors, often without the recognition they deserve.
Environmental Stewardship
Solo agers often lead the way in environmental stewardship. With fewer familial obligations, many have the time and resources to dedicate to environmental causes. They advocate for sustainable practices, participate in conservation efforts, and support policies that protect our natural resources. Their commitment to the environment ensures that future generations inherit a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Challenging Stereotypes
The assertion that solo agers have less investment in our country perpetuates harmful stereotypes. It overlooks the diverse and meaningful ways in which individuals can contribute to society, regardless of their parental status. Investing in a country goes beyond raising children; it includes nurturing communities, supporting economic growth, and fostering social and cultural development.
A Call for Inclusivity
As we move forward, it is essential to adopt an inclusive perspective that recognizes and values the contributions of all individuals, including solo agers. Policymakers should consider the diverse ways in which people contribute to society and create policies that support and empower everyone, regardless of their familial status.
In conclusion, solo agers make substantial and varied contributions to our country and the world. Their investment in society is evident in their economic participation, civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. Dismissing their contributions because they are childless is not only shortsighted but also fails to acknowledge the full spectrum of what it means to be invested in a country's future. It is time to celebrate and support the diverse ways in which all individuals contribute to our collective well-being.
Sources:
American Society on Aging, Generations Journal, Summer 2023, A Focus on Solo Aging
Childs, Stephanie. Solo Agers: Attitudes and Experiences. Washington, DC: AARP Research, April 2023. https://doi.org/10.26419/res.00602.001
Pew Research Center, July 2024, “The Experiences of U.S. Adults Who Don’t Have Children”
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