Loneliness in Later Life: Record Number of Elderly Taiwanese Live Alone

Taiwan Faces Challenges as the Number of Senior Citizens Living Solo Surges.

New data from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior's Real Estate Information Platform reveals a concerning trend: the number of elderly people living alone has reached a new high. Over 600,000 senior citizens are now living solo, highlighting the evolving demographics of the nation.

In the fourth quarter of last year, households comprised solely of individuals aged 65 or older exceeded 800,000 for the first time, reaching 803,600, a noticeable increase from 774,100 in the previous quarter. A significant 611,800 of these households consist of elderly individuals living alone, representing approximately 76% of this demographic.

The data further indicates that 174,800 households, representing 21.75%, are home to two elderly individuals, while those with three or more elderly residents total roughly 17,000 units, or 2.12%. A notable 23.87% of housing units with elderly residents involve caregiving responsibilities for another senior.

According to real-estate expert Ho Shih-chang (何世昌), the significant demand for retirement homes, far exceeding the current supply in Taiwan, contributes to the prevalence of elderly people living independently. This situation also poses risks, as these individuals are more susceptible to scams, and older homes (those over 30 years old) may require costly reconstruction.

The aging population presents other challenges. Andy Huang (黃舒衛), Colliers International Taiwan’s Landlord Representation Services director, emphasizes that the shortage of healthcare workers now poses a more significant risk than the overall labor shortage, particularly as Taiwan has officially become a super-aged society this year.

To address these pressing issues, the government must formulate housing policies that incorporate realistic and feasible long-term care programs and essential life services specifically tailored for elderly individuals, ensuring their well-being and safety.