The Surprising Joy of Being Single After 50
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The Surprising Joy of Being Single After 50
Hi, I'm April, and I made a video about embracing the single life later in life. If you’ve wondered whether being single at 50 (or anywhere near it) has to be sad or lonely, let me tell you: it doesn’t. In fact, for me it’s been the most eye‑opening, enjoyable chapter yet. Below I’m sharing why choosing to be single can be liberating, practical tips for making solo life affordable and sustainable, and a little real talk about the moments when being alone stings. This is written from my experience and a lot of hard-earned curiosity and humor.
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Why I Stopped Chasing “My Person”
I spent a lot of my younger years searching for a partner who complemented me and fit into the life I imagined. After my last divorce in 2018 I stopped dating. Once I let go of the compulsive hunt, something comforting happened: I realized the person I needed to rely on was myself.
"Once I let go of the idea that I had to find a person, this really comforting thing happened — it was like all of a sudden I understood the person that I had to rely on was myself and nobody else."
We’re conditioned to fear the idea of “dying alone,” but being alone and being lonely aren’t the same. I’ve been at the deathbeds of people I loved — both women with no partners — and while they were alone in a certain sense, they were surrounded by friends and family who cared. You can build a rich, supportive network without a romantic partner.
The Upside: Freedom, Confidence, Joy
Freedom: Your Time Is Yours
When you’re solo, decisions about meals, schedules, travel, and TV shows are your choices. You don’t have to negotiate dinner plans or check in about when to be home. To me, that isn’t loneliness — it’s luxury. (My only remote-related fight is with myself because I never know where I left it.)
Confidence and Growth
Being on your own forces you to do things by yourself — learn, achieve, travel, problem-solve. That builds confidence in a way you can’t get by outsourcing growth to a partner. Whether you’re single for a season or for life, that confidence helps you be a healthier partner if you get into a relationship later.
Joy: Rediscovering Yourself
I’ve found more joy being single than I did in partnerships. I used to make myself small to accommodate others. Living solo gave me permission to be fully me — to pursue my own routines, adventures, and yes, to sleep without listening to someone snore. That alone brings a surprising amount of joy.
Real Talk: The Challenges (And How I Handle Them)
It isn’t all rainbows. There are moments — like wrestling with luggage, a dog, and a carrier at the airport — when I wish for a travel‑sherpa. Finances are another reality: two incomes can make housing and life easier. And decision fatigue? It’s real when you’re the one making all the calls.
Practical hacks I use or recommend to counter the downsides:
Decision mitigation: Reduce daily choices (fun fact: I wear the same style of black T‑shirts in videos so I don’t have to think about outfits).
Build reliable supports: Trusted friends, an assistant, or a small circle you can call when you need to bounce decisions around.
Acknowledge the moments: Missing the company of someone to share small tasks with is normal. It doesn’t mean you failed at single life — it just means you’re human.
Making Single Life Affordable: Practical Options
If you’re worried about affording solo living, you’re not alone. I moved into an RV a couple of years ago to cut my rent and save money — it was a decision to stop paying a corporation most of my income and take control. Here are other realistic options to consider:
Co‑living: Shared housing or roommate situations reduce costs. It’s not for everyone, but it can be an effective short‑term or long‑term solution.
Tiny home communities: Tiny houses and small lot living are growing. If you’re open to downsizing, this can significantly lower housing expenses.
RV living or park stays: I’ll be spending much of this winter in my RV — moving and seasonal living can cut monthly costs depending on your region.
Budget intentionally: Create a real budget. Track what you buy. Downsizing and prioritizing reduces leaks in your finances.
Co‑shopping and bulk splitting: Shop warehouse stores with a friend and split bulk purchases to lower everyday costs.
Subsidized or senior‑friendly housing: If you’re in your early 50s, start getting on waitlists for subsidized or 55+ housing now. These options aren’t just “retirement homes” — many are affordable apartments with meal plans and community supports.
Start searching early for subsidized housing and aging‑in‑place options. My aunt moved into subsidized housing in her 60s and loves it; she’s been there decades and has a simple, affordable life. Small decisions today can give you more choices tomorrow.
A Word About Partnering Later
I’m not saying never partner. My aunt swore off relationships for years and in her 80s started dating — while still choosing to live apart. The point is to be clear about what you want at this stage of life. If a partner enhances the life you want, great. If not, being single can be an intentional, joyful choice.
Community and Next Steps
There are practical problems women face around retirement and financial stability, and I believe our ingenuity will solve many of these challenges. If you want to join a community of women navigating these same issues, I opened a free Patreon (it will remain free for early members). We do monthly Zooms to brainstorm solutions, share resources, and support one another.
Final thought: staying solo isn’t a fallback — it can be a gift. It’s a chance to create a life you love on your terms. You don’t need a partner to make your later years meaningful, affordable, and joyful.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Join the community on Patreon (there’s a free level while it’s open).
Start looking into housing alternatives now: tiny homes, RV parks, co‑living, and subsidized senior housing.
Try one small decision to reduce fatigue this week — simplify one daily choice and notice the relief.
If you’re reading this and want more detail on budgeting solo life, co‑living options, or RV/tiny home resources, comment or reach out. I reply to messages and love helping women find practical ways to live the life they want at this stage of the game.
— April
For more tips and resources, check out:
Supportive Community & Connect on Patreon – Join my Patreon for behind-the-scenes content, live calls, and bonus resources made for women 50+
Create More Income with a Side Hustle – Discover simple ways to lower stress and build a life you love with a solid side hustle.
Subscribe on YouTube – Get weekly tips, encouragement, and real talk about health, solo living, and saving money after 50.
