By Jessi Chadd, chief wealth officer and shareholder at Aspyre Wealth Partners.
Published in The Kansas City Star | August 2025
More Americans are aging without children than ever before. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, one in five U.S. adults age 50 and older have never had children. For some, remaining childfree was an intentional choice. For others, this path wasn’t the one they expected. But it offers a unique and powerful opportunity: the freedom to shape the future with intention.
Without the geographic or emotional obligations that often come with parenting adult children, childfree adults are redefining what aging well looks like. The question becomes less about “Who will take care of me?” and more about “How do I want to live—now and later?” That’s where childfree financial planning comes into play.
Where Will You Thrive—Not Just Live?
When you don’t have children or grandchildren pulling you toward a specific city, the world opens up. That freedom allows you to ask:
- Do I want shorter winters or mild summers?
- Is walkability, access to top-notch healthcare, or a strong sense of community a priority?
- Have I always dreamed of retiring abroad?
If you’re a solo ager—someone aging without children or a spouse—your housing location choices can center entirely around your lifestyle preferences and long-term needs. That means evaluating:
✔ Healthcare access
✔ Long-term care availability
✔ Social connection
✔ Transportation options
✔ Cost of living
Creating Community on Your Own Terms
We often hear from clients who are building their own version of a retirement “village.” Whether it’s friends moving into the same 55+ community or siblings choosing to live near one another, these intentional support systems foster social connection and shared care. One client recently shared:
“Several of my friends and I have long talked about living in the same 55+ community, like a maintenance-provided neighborhood with standalone houses or duplexes. We’d be close by to take each other to doctor appointments and help out when someone is sick but still have our own place where we can enjoy our autonomy.”
Active adult communities offer more than golf courses—they provide structure, security, and a ready-made social scene. And for those looking even further ahead, Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer a seamless transition from independent living to assisted care and skilled nursing, all in one location.
Proactive Planning = Peace of Mind
Without children in the picture, it’s even more important to build a team of trusted professionals who can support your needs:
- Financial Planner – Helps plan for healthcare costs, housing, long-term care, legacy planning, and ensures your financial life aligns with your goals.
- Elder Law Attorney – Helps protect your wishes and prevent legal vulnerabilities through estate planning, power of attorney, and more.
- Geriatric Care Manager – Acts as a healthcare advocate when you need one, coordinating care and making sure your voice stays at the center of all decisions.
This team becomes your safety net, and the earlier you establish it, the better. Not sure where to begin? We’re here to help you take that first step.
You Are in the Driver’s Seat
There’s no one way to age well, and that’s the point. Aging without children means you’re free to design a future that reflects you: your passions, priorities, and personality.
By making thoughtful choices now, you retain control over your lifestyle and healthcare—rather than leaving those decisions to chance.
At Aspyre Wealth Partners, we believe in Making Life Count!® Whether you’re dreaming of a life filled with travel, community, or calm simplicity, we’re here to help childfree adults plan confidently for every stage of life.
Learn more about Financial Planning.