The Health and Wellbeing of Older Women Living Alone in the UK: Is Living Alone a Risk Factor for Poorer Health?

Older women are more likely to live alone in later life the UK; however, relatively little is known as how this has an association with poorer health. This paper attempts fill research gap, assessing if living a risk factor for health life. The Household Panel Survey data, wave 8 were used which was collected during 2017 United Kingdom. Women’s household types divided into three types: alone, partner and others (not partner). Seven wellbeing outcome variables used. Descriptive analysis regression analyses examined role of predicting wellbeing, controlling demographic socioeconomic (SES) factors. Results showed significant differences between types. However, not found be once SES included models. While there composition types, these accounted for. Future UK policy should aim reduce inequalities throughout course improve directions include detailed examination determinants population.