Twenty-one percent of U.S. adults ages 50 and older (about 24 million people) now live alone.
They are “aging alone because they live without a spouse or partner or anyone else under the same roof,” according to an AARP magazine article I read from beginning to end, because I’m now one of these statistics.
As 2026 began, I’m among the growing number of people aging solo due to a death of a spouse, and recently someone asked if I was lonely.
Loneliness tops the list of the worst thing about aging solo, according to the AARP article.
My response to the question is that there is a big difference between feeling lonely and being alone.
I’m alone. I’m not lonely.
I’ve embraced my independence and have become used to making decisions that affect only me, being accountable to no one and diving into my own personal space when life gets overwhelming.
Being overwhelmed and feeling sad are the downside of aging solo.
Coincidentally, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese New Year.
For those who know me, horses have been my first love and, even today, my three horses — Emma, Charlie and Frank — provide me with emotional support and know that I’m hurting.
My daily interaction with them and their intuitive natures have assisted my healing, and I’d like to spend more time with them on the trails, in the show ring or just focusing on their care.
Feb. 17 is the official start of the “Year of the Fire Horse.”
Fire provides warmth, connection, enthusiasm and creativity — all emotions I like to explore in the next 357 days left in this year.
The Year of the Fire Horse happens once every 60 years, and it seems appropriate that in my 60th year on earth that I’m seeking the solace of a horse as I age solo.
Chinese astrologers indicate I may be in the right journey for 2026.
I was born under the Year of the Snake, and this year I gravitate to be focused and grounded.
The astrologers say I need to trust in myself, and I’ve made the decision to retire and follow my heart, which is leading me away from a full-time job.
Feb. 1 is my last day at the Star Herald.
I need time for my brain to rest and heal, ground myself on the farm with Emma, Charlie and Frank here for daily support.
Enjoying more time with family, which now includes my horse friends, because the Year of the Horse signifies movement and momentum to move me through the first year of aging solo.
