Last Updated: August 28, 2025

In the last ten years the number of over 65s living alone has risen exponentially from 3.5 million to 4.6 million according to new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In 2024, roughly 4.5 million people aged 65 or over were living alone. This is an increase of over a million from 2014. This group now makes up more than half (51%) of all people in the UK.

Women continue to make up the larger share of people living alone. In 2024, two in five (41%) women aged 65 and over were living alone. Comparatively 27% of men in that same age group live alone, increasing from 22% in 2014.

The overall rise in solo living is entirely accounted for in the increase of older people living alone in the last decade. The total number of people living alone rose from 7.6 million in 2014 to 8.4 million in 2024. However, the number of individuals living alone aged under 65 stayed the same at 4.1 million.

Stephen Lowe, Group communications Director at the retirement specialist Just Group, said, ‘The number of people living alone in later life has climbed steadily over the past decade, due in part to the impact of the UK’s ageing population.

‘While living alone may be a lifestyle choice for some, for many if reflects bereavement or other circumstances outside of their control.

‘When the responsibility for meeting all household costs falls on one income the financial pressure can mount quickly – particularly if costs rise unexpectedly. Older people living alone, who also have limited ability to increase their income, are hot most frequently by the ‘singles premium’ of meeting the costs that apply to all households from one income rather than two.

‘This is a problem for more women than men aged over 65 and living alone. Although life expectancy trends are changing, typically women still have a longer life expectancy. Combined with the fact that women also have lower pension savings it means many women face greater financial pressure in retirement.

‘It may be an uncomfortable topic, but ensuring your loved one is financially protected after your death – or vice versa – is an important part of retirement planning. That includes thinking ahead to ensure a significant income stream doesn’t disappear if one partner dies and considering how future care needs might be met.

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