According to sociologist and scientific collaborator at ULiège, Marie-Thérèse Casman, a number of factors have led to an increasing number of Belgians choosing to live alone, with the most significant being the rise in life expectancy resulting in a larger population of elderly individuals. However, the decline in marriages has also played a role with marriages happening later in life and divorces being more frequent. Sociologist Casman states that marriage used to be a leading reason for individuals to leave the family home, and now many people live alone temporarily. This can also include couples who live separately, but are still considered single households.
The largest group of individuals living alone in Belgium are those age 65 and older, comprising 38% of the overall population of people living alone.
One 69-year-old retiree named Christiane shares that she has been living alone since the death of her husband in October 2022. She has decided to maintain her independence and does not plan to move to a nursing home anytime soon. Christiane owns her own house and has made energy-saving upgrades to it. She has also found a supportive community in her neighborhood, which includes people of various nationalities.
Thanks to advancements in medical technology and a decline in mortality rates among the elderly, individuals like Christiane are able to continue living independently and manage their daily tasks without assistance.
According to Marie-Thérèse Casman, sociologist and scientific collaborator at ULiège, there are many reasons that push more and more Belgians to live alone, but the most important remains the increase in life expectancy, which increases the number older people, although the decline in marriages also plays a role: “Marriage is later and later and divorces more and more frequent. However, marriage was one of the main reasons for which a person left the family cocoon. Many will live alone for a while and we can even have a life as a couple while each living at home, which means that we are listed as an isolated household.specifies the sociologist.
In any case, with a share of 38%, the largest group of people living alone is those aged 65 and over.
Christiane, a 69-year-old retiree, explains that she has been an isolated person since the death of her husband in October 2022. However, she does not intend to enter a nursing home anytime soon and wishes to maintain her autonomy: “For me it is clear, the nursing home will be the last solution. We have seen how the elderly were treated during the health crisis. It’s a jail. Before, I didn’t say that. I used to tell myself when I’m older I’ll go to a nursing home“.
Owner, Christiane lives in a house in which she has done a lot of work, which allows her to make great savings on her energy bill. In addition, the almost septuagenarian says she is well surrounded and lives in a neighborhood that she likes: “I have neighbors of all nationalities, Italians, an Armenian, Turks, … We get along wonderfully well and I don’t want to leave that“, explains Christiane.
In addition, thanks to the increase in life expectancy, due in particular to medical advances and to the decline in mortality at high ages, the elderly are longer independent. This is the case of Christiane who can still carry out her daily tasks without problems, which is very important to her.
In conclusion, living alone is becoming more common among Belgians, especially among those aged 65 and over. While there are many reasons for this trend, the increase in life expectancy is the most significant factor. Many elderly people like Christiane prefer to remain autonomous and maintain their independence rather than living in nursing homes. With advances in medical technology and more extended periods of independence, elderly citizens can continue to enjoy their homes and live active lifestyles without worry. Moreover, living alone is not necessarily synonymous with loneliness as neighbors can form strong bonds and provide a supportive community. By embracing independence and creating a sense of community around them, elderly citizens can continue to thrive and enjoy their golden years to the fullest.