'Solo agers' are a growing group. Changes that would help them could help everyone
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CARL SMIGIELSKI: Right now, it wouldn't align with me to have another intimate relationship. So I was pretty clear, like, you're going to be doing this alone.

MILNE-TYTE: But he's gotten involved with an organization that has long recognized solo agers. It's called The Villages, and it consists of hyperlocal groups, called villages, that are mostly run by volunteers. Members join to tap the network's resources. Volunteers make it happen, with rides to appointments, help moving furniture or changing light bulbs, and social events.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #1: There's Barbara (ph). Hey, you're back from Florida.

MILNE-TYTE: Smigielski is helping to start a new village in his rural part of the state. He's come to this community center to explain the concept to a group of older adults over lunch.

SMIGIELSKI: In many ways, if someone does transition to assisted living, there's services there. It's those of us living independently where there's a gap.

UNIDENTIFIED PERSON #2: Yeah.

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