Going solo: exploring the intimate and broader relationships of older single women without children and the implications for their support needs in later life

This poster presents findings from a scoping study into factors which impact on successful ageing for non-partnered women without children in the UK entering retirement. Little is know about the trajectory of non-partnered women without children as they grow older in modern UK society. Our interim statistical analysis using the British Household Panel Survey demonstrates growth of women living alone as they get older. We are using this study to examine how far society is able to ascertain the trends specifically in relation to 'solo' women and the potential different 'positions' occupied by this group through the examination of different variables available for measurement in the survey. Combined with a review of the literature and study, this poster considers how to go forward to explore the key research questions that will be needed for further investigation of solo women's ageing.