Abstract
Previous investigations have indicated that older adults living alone (OALA) are likely to experience precariousness. Their precariousness derives from their need to prove that they can “make” it alone, at a time in their life when they may need services that are either too expensive, limited, or difficult to access. At the same time, they may also experience a decline in their economic and social resources and physical abilities.
A recent in-depth qualitative investigation of 20 OALA with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (often a precursor to AD), suggests that having a cognitive impairment often exacerbates the precariousness of living alone in older age. This paper examines the factors that further exacerbate this precariousness, including distress; need to hide the impairment; managing the impairment alone; little follow-ups post-diagnosis; and lack of appropriate services. Recommendations for specific policies and programs alleviating this precariousness will conclude the paper.