Doreen explains the growing trend of "elder orphans" - seniors who are aging alone, with no spouse or family support.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States now reach their 50s without having children. This figure is up from 10% in the 1970s. Ironically, many elder orphans have sacrificed their time and valuable resources as caregivers themselves, but they do not have anybody who will do these things for them. Many seniors value their independence and do not realize until a crisis they do not have the support they need so it is helpful to plan in advance.

This show originally aired on WAJR Radio in January of 2018.