Jan 25, 2026
If you are an older adult with no children, you may have wondered or worried about what will happen to you and your estate if you become ill and cannot make decisions for yourself, or when you die.
In fact, it's a concern for a growing number of Americans. U.S. Census Bureau data found that 19.6% of adults ages 55 to 64 were childless in 2021; 15.9% of those ages 65 to 74 had no children, and 10.9% of Americans 75 years and older were childless (1).
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Census data also found that 22.1 million Americans aged 55 and older lived alone. Of those, 27.7% (6.1 million people) were childless.
For older adults without children, the question of who will step in to help manage their finances or make medical decisions for them can be a source of stress.
The good news is that it’s possible to put plans in place that address these questions and make aging without children, or aging alone, less worrisome.
Making a plan
Imagine Andrea and Lynn, a retired couple in their 70s with no children but a substantial financial portfolio worth about $2 million.
They want to leave their estate to their nieces and nephews, but none live nearby. They also want to ensure their estate is organized so there is no infighting among family members after they both pass away.
They have done some planning, but they’re unsure whether they’ve covered everything. Like many older adults without children, they have several paths available and several important decisions to make.
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Getting financial plans in order
The steps Andrea and Lynn can take include discussing their wishes with trusted friends or family members, identifying someone who can safeguard important documents, completing estate and financial planning, preparing for the possibility they may no longer be able to manage their finances and identifying potential future housing and caregiver (2).
If you’re in a similar situation, a good first step is making sure you have an up-to-date will.
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For a couple like Andrea and Lynn, naming each other as executors may make sense, along with designating alternates. It’s important to discuss these responsibilities in advance with anyone you are considering.
For some people, a family member is the right choice. For others, it may be a close friend. If you do not have anyone you feel comfortable naming, you can appoint a professional such as a lawyer, accountant or trust company (3).
For older adults without children who have substantial estates and no direct heirs, choosing a professional executor can be a good option. It ensures decisions are handled by an impartial party, which can be especially helpful when family dynamics are complicated (4).
Your executor should know where your important documents are stored and how to access them. Writing your plans out in as much detail as possible can help ensure your wishes are followed.
If you have the financial means, working with a trust company to manage your assets can also ease concerns about future care. For a couple like Andrea and Lynn, a large estate may be best handled through a trust.
A trust company can also help in situations where one spouse has always managed the finances. If that spouse dies first, the surviving partner is not suddenly left responsible for complex financial decisions.
Home and health care decisions
Health planning is another key piece of aging without children.
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A living will or advance directive allows you to outline your wishes if you become unable to communicate. It’s also important to decide whether you want to age in place or eventually move to a retirement or assisted living community.
You may also want to name a medical or health care power of attorney (POA). This person is authorized to make health care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.
Depending on your state, advance directives may need to be notarized. Requirements and forms vary by state (5). You can find state-specific forms through organizations such as the American Bar Association, AARP or the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
A report from the Mather Institute, citing Department of Health and Human Services data, estimates that about half of adults over age 65 will need some form of paid long-term services and support. The report notes that older adults aging alone should have plans in place if they require long-term care, since they do not have access to the informal caregiving support often provided by adult children.
Putting a clear plan in place for your finances, housing and health care can help reduce stress and ease the stress of wondering what will happen later in life.
Article sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
United States Census Bureau (1); Mather Institute (2); Symetra Life Insurance Company (3); City National Bank (4); Mayo Clinic (5)
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Rebecca Payne has more than a decade of experience editing and producing both local and national daily newspapers. She's worked on the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, Metro, Canada's National Observer, the Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press.
