The chart provides a comparative analysis of the percentage of women and men aged 65 and over who live alone in Latvia, the EU, and Estonia as of 2019. A striking observation is the significant gender disparity in Latvia, where 49% of women live alone compared to 25% of men. This gap is notably larger than the EU average, where 40% of women and 19% of men live alone. Estonia presents a different picture, with a smaller percentage of women living alone (26%), closely aligning with the percentage of men (19%). The data suggests cultural or societal factors influencing living arrangements among seniors, particularly in Latvia, where the gender gap is most pronounced. The EU average indicates a broader trend of women living alone more frequently than men, but the extent varies significantly by region. Estonia's figures suggest a more balanced living arrangement among seniors, possibly reflecting different social support systems or cultural norms. This analysis highlights the importance of understanding regional differences in senior living arrangements, which can inform policy decisions related to elder care and social services. The data underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the unique challenges faced by seniors living alone, particularly women, who may experience different social and economic vulnerabilities.
