Taiwan will enter a "super-aged society" in 2025, confronting labor shortages, insufficient long-term care, and rising social costs, pressing individuals to prepare for aging. This study, based on in-depth interviews with six unmarried men born in the 1960s, explored their psychological trajectories, lived realities, and visions of later life.
Although outside the traditional marriage and family system, participants actively reflected on aging, striving for balance between independence and social connection. They expressed intentions toward positive aging and agency in shaping later life. Financial preparedness was their top priority, while health care, end-of-life planning, and social support were often neglected—reflecting gender socialization, generational culture, and institutional oversight of unmarried elders. Compared with women, who emphasize health and self-care, men's preparations were more economically driven.
Participants emphasized "not becoming a burden" and "maintaining independence" but doubted the long-term care system and lacked concrete care strategies. While hoping to age in place, they faced financial and resource constraints. Some provided care for elderly parents, challenging gendered caregiving norms. Emotional suppression and reluctance to seek help further revealed gaps in social support.
This study addresses a research gap on unmarried men's aging, revealing structural and gendered dynamics shaping their later-life preparations. It challenges stereotypes of male independence, highlights their hidden caregiving roles, and offers insights for building gender-sensitive and inclusive aging policies.