Best Retirement Communities for Singles

As social creatures, humans rely on social connections to survive and maintain a high quality of life. Without social connections with family and close friends, people may experience social isolation and loneliness, which can be detrimental to their physical and mental health. Older adults, in particular, are at risk of finding themselves unexpectedly alone due to retirement, loss of mobility, or the death of a partner or spouse. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2022, 21% of men and 27% of women aged 65-74 lived alone, while 24% of men and 43% of women over 75 lived alone. 

While this doesn't necessarily mean the respondents are socially isolated, seniors may still feel lonely without someone else present in the home. Reduced mobility and limited access to transportation can also worsen loneliness, especially if seniors experience depression, anxiety, or other health issues. 

Retirement communities can provide a safe and secure place for older adults to build connections, but single seniors may be hesitant to join a community composed entirely of married couples.

Fortunately, that doesn't have to be the case. This guide provides an overview of the best retirement communities for singles, how these communities can reduce loneliness, and details on available financial assistance options.

Some seniors, perhaps worried about losing their independence or control over their lives, may be hesitant about moving to a retirement community. However, these communities are designed for active adults, offering unique advantages for single seniors looking to make new friends and have fewer responsibilities. Benefits of retirement communities for singles include:

 

• Maintenance-Free Lifestyle: Some single seniors may wish to downsize during retirement. Many retirement communities offer lawn care, housekeeping, in-home maintenance, and laundry services, allowing residents to engage in activities and spend less time on home upkeep.
• Built-In Social Network: Making new friends can be harder as you age. Singles retirement communities offer a built-in network of peers residing in the same location. Instead of traveling, you can simply walk to your neighbor's home, making it easier to meet new people and socialize. 
• Regular Social Engagement Opportunities: Most singles retirement communities offer socialization opportunities, including exercise classes, organized social outings, and on-site group activities such as book clubs, arts and crafts, cooking lessons, and community gardening. These experiences can make it easier for seniors to meet other residents based on common interests. 
• Comprehensive Medical Care: Older adults are at greater risk of developing health conditions. It can be difficult to get the necessary care when living alone without access to transportation. Many retirement communities have physicians, registered nurses, or other health care professionals on staff. Around-the-clock assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing, or meal preparation is also available for single seniors needing a helping hand, along with transportation services to off-site medical appointments. 
• Dating Opportunities: Single seniors seeking companionship may have access to more dating opportunities in retirement communities. Some providers offer dinner events, movie nights, happy hours, or formal dance events in intimate settings for date nights. 
• Stress-Free Travel: Traveling alone can be intimidating for single seniors who enjoy exploring new places. Some retirement communities offer overnight trips or other travel opportunities to help residents discover new places. Retirement communities are secure locations with security staff and neighbors who can keep an eye on your home while you're away. 

Older adults who have lived alone for a while may be concerned about losing their independence or privacy when moving to single retirement communities. At the same time, they may want easy access to socialization opportunities when feeling lonely and seeking company. 

Here are a few factors to look for in a singles retirement community to ensure you have an ideal balance of support and privacy:

Many retirement communities offer private living spaces. Having your own space allows you to decorate according to your personal taste and invite guests over at your leisure. It also gives you a private place to relax and unwind if you aren't up for socializing.

Often, older adults become single after the passing of a spouse or partner, which can be devastating and difficult to cope with. A singles retirement community should provide a supportive environment that doesn't make individuals feel ashamed about being single. While some seniors may want to date, others may want to focus on making friends for emotional and social support.

Even as an adult, making friends can be challenging. Engaging in planned activities such as social events, exercise classes, and clubs can make it easier to meet people. If making friends is a priority, focus on retirement communities that provide daily planned activities to help you socialize and stay active.

Safety can be a top concern for single seniors. Around-the-clock assistance is already fairly common in retirement communities, but it's still a good feature to consider in your search. Many communities offer emergency call systems in each apartment in case there's an accident or you fall and have trouble getting back up. Personal care attendants may also be available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, housekeeping, laundry, or transportation whenever you need it.

Single retirement communities should promote social opportunities among residents while letting them make their own decisions. This freedom includes choosing activities, times to socialize, and quiet time alone. Moving to a community doesn't put an end to seniors' independence but provides the flexibility to choose how they wish to spend their time.

Before beginning your search for a singles retirement community, it may be helpful to consider which elements are most important to you. Evaluating your needs can make it easier to focus solely on communities that meet your personal criteria and eliminate the locations that don't.

If you are unsure about your wants and needs, consider the following questions while researching retirement communities for singles:

• What is the ratio of single residents to married residents?
• What planned activities and events are offered?
• How often do residents socialize?
• What housing options are there for singles?
• How does the community promote socialization among residents?
• What security measures are in place?
• How often do residents have access to trained staff?
• Is there a communal dining space for shared meals?

The best retirement communities for singles offer plenty of shared spaces and planned events that promote mingling among residents. These are social communities by nature, and your search will likely revolve around which option makes you feel a sense of belonging. Sometimes, the right choice depends more on what feels right to your senior loved one than the available amenities. 

Retirement communities for singles generally cost the same as standard retirement communities. Pricing varies depending on your location and the type of community. If you're looking at a 55+ community with no medical or personal care assistance, prices will likely resemble local housing costs. 

However, if you want assistance from trained staff, assisted living or a continuing care retirement community may be a better option. The following table contains pricing information for three options.

• Medicare: Medicare is likely the most familiar name in federal and state financial assistance for seniors. However, Medicare does not cover single retirement communities. Still, you may be able to access subsidized senior housing. 
• Medicaid: Medicaid receives joint funding from state and federal governments, so coverage depends on your location. Medicaid usually doesn't cover room and board at senior retirement communities, but it may cover therapy and medication management. 
• Veterans Benefits: If you're a veteran eligible for a pension, you can apply your monthly payments toward the costs of retirement communities for singles. 
• Private Insurance: Private insurance generally will not cover housing costs at single retirement communities. However, you can often use private insurance to cover medical expenses. 
• Life Insurance: Insurance plans worth at least $50,000 often allow policyholders to send monthly payments to retirement communities. However, using these funds closes out your policy, so you won't receive the entire face value. 

Depending on their circumstances, your senior loved one may have many choices for living arrangements, including nursing homes, independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities. 

If your loved one is single and could benefit from structured social interactions, retirement communities for singles might be a good fit. These communities provide shared spaces and events, promoting interaction and friendships among members. 

• Calculate the cost of long-term care near you. (n.d.). CareScout 
• Eligibility for veterans pensions. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• Hemez, Paul, et al. (2024). Living arrangements varied across age groups. United States Census Bureau 
• How much does it cost to live in a senior living community? (2024). Atria Senior Living