PHOENIX — Arizona’s population is aging, and more seniors are facing a life alone. “Solo agers” have no family, spouses or lifelong friends who are alive or live nearby.

In 2024, nearly one out of five of Arizonans was 65 or older — and the number has been steadily increasing during the past decade, according to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services.

With this growing but fragmented population comes a diversity of life experiences, and some of those include profound levels of social isolation.

This lifestyle exists on a broad spectrum — for some, it's desolate. For others, it’s freeing.

'Aging successfully'

Navigating solo aging requires intention, which means building and maintaining a life of fulfillment.

It’s hard work. Michael Iffland knows.

“It’s pretty lonely,”

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