from American Geriatric Society
I must admit being unfamiliar with the term elder orphans until it was explained as increasing numbers of childless and unmarried seniors who are aging alone and unsupported by family or social networks. As the baby boomer generation ages, an estimated one-quarter of Americans over sixty-five are currently or at-risk of becoming elder orphans. A study from North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and Hofstra University was presented to the American Geriatrics Society—calling attention to a growing vulnerable population of elder orphans as life expectancy increases and the need to determine what government and society resources can be used or created to help them feel less orphaned.