Nine days.
That's how long 82-year-old Joan Rivet spent trapped in her own bathtub.
She was getting ready for bed one evening last month. Upon taking a step backward, she lost her balance and fell into the tub.
Rivet injured her back and couldn't pull herself out. Worse, her phone was in another room. No one heard her when she yelled for help. With only her cat for company, hours turned into days as she drifted in and out of consciousness.
The faucet was out of reach with her hands, so she managed to turn it on with her foot. She splashed water toward her face to drink.
Relief came when, after Rivet had stopped returning her brother's calls, he contacted neighbors and then the police. Deputies found her semiconscious in the bathtub on June 10. She had survived, but she was severely dehydrated and had developed bedsores.
While it's an extraordinary story, the problem behind it isn't a rare one...
Today, nearly 30% of Americans age 65 and older live alone. And the majority of these folks want to remain in their own homes as they age.
Living alone can offer freedom, privacy, and independence. You control your own schedule, your home, and how you spend time.
Plus, living alone doesn't necessarily mean you're lonely. But it does mean that you need to have a plan.
That's because a relatively minor accident can quickly snowball into a major medical emergency when no one is around to help.
Falls are the No. 1 cause of injury among the 65-and-up crowd, where about 1 in 4 seniors report falling each year. And it's estimated that seniors who live alone have 76% higher odds of experiencing a fall versus those who live with someone else.
Falls aren't the only potential threat to seniors living alone... there's also social isolation, which can take a toll on your health. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 86 studies on older adults revealed that loneliness, social isolation, and living alone were all associated with a higher risk of premature death.
Now, don't let all of this scare you off of living alone and into giving up some of your independence and privacy. You can still protect yourself. And here's how...
Four Steps to Living Alone as You Age
Make it harder to fall.
Fall-proof your home, starting with the rooms where falls are most likely to happen – like the bathroom. That means installing grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub, as well as including an anti-slip mat on the bottom of that tub or shower.
Remove any loose rugs, electrical cords, and any clutter in walking areas. And keep frequently used items within easy reach so you don't have to keep climbing on chairs or stools. Don't overlook lighting, either... Add night-lights between your bedroom and bathroom.
Keep your lifeline on you at all times.
Rivet had a phone, but it wasn't within her reach. So if you live alone, consider carrying your phone in a pocket. Or you can get a cross-body phone lanyard or a belt holster to hold your phone, too.
Another idea is to invest in a smartwatch or a medical-alert device that stays on your body. Some devices have built-in fall-detection systems that will contact emergency services or an emergency contact if a hard fall is detected.
Set up a simple check-in system.
You don't need to have someone calling you every hour. Instead, choose one or two family members or friends and create a routine, like texting your daughter every morning... calling your brother every evening... or even having coffee with a neighbor every Tuesday.
The idea is to establish a pattern of what's normal, as well as a plan for what someone should do if you suddenly break that pattern.
Oh, and consider getting to know your neighbors...
You don't need to become best friends. Just exchange phone numbers with someone nearby and agree to check on each other when something seems off.
There are also organizations that do safety check-ins for seniors where you'll receive an automated text or call at a specific hour. If you don't respond within a certain amount of time, and an emergency contact can't be reached, nonemergency services are called for a welfare check. Call your local Department of Aging or download the Snug Safety app.
Build connections... before you need them.
Don't mistake living alone with doing everything alone... Strong social connections are a part of staying healthy. You can do things like joining a walking group, volunteering, attending religious services, or taking a class.
Don't underestimate the small interactions, either... That means talking to your neighbors, calling up an old buddy, or maybe even becoming a regular at the library, gym, or your local coffee shop.
As for Rivet, she and two neighbors who also live alone have decided to start checking on each other.
What are your favorite ways to stay safe while living alone? Share them with us at feedback@healthandwealthbulletin.com.
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Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
July 14, 2026