I think the more important thing to be aware is to be alone and...frail. It is really important that one looks after their own health now..so we can still function and move around for awhile later.

I have a good close friend who has been a mentor to me. She is in her mid 70's. She has always been single with a long career (that's how I met her 3 decades ago --she was my supervisor), but has led an active life with many friends. She has had her share of men in her life but given what I know of her strong independent streak, she has never been in a long term relationship with a guy after her late 20's.

She recently lost over 30 lbs. from a major hip surgery and did find it difficult to do some stuff herself. She has had her own home and lived alone unafraid for most her life.