Across the UK, growing numbers of people are ageing without children — by choice, circumstance, estrangement, bereavement, or because they have caring responsibilities of their own. Yet their voices, needs, and experiences are still not well understood in health, care, housing, and community planning.
Ageing Without Children (AWOC) is running a national survey to change that, and we’re encouraging everyone in Dorset who identifies with this experience to take part.
Why your voice matters
People ageing without children often face unique challenges, including:
- Navigating health and care systems alone
- Reduced informal support networks
- Increased risk of loneliness and isolation
- Barriers to planning for later life
- Limited visibility in policy and service design
By sharing your experiences, you can help shape better support, influence national policy, and ensure that services understand and respond to the realities of ageing without children.
Who should take part?
Anyone aged 18+ who:
- Has no children
- Is estranged from their children
- Has experienced child loss
- Has chosen not to have children
- Has been unable to have children
- Or expects to age without children in the future
Your story is important — and completely anonymous.
Take the survey
The survey takes around 10–15 minutes to complete.
👉 Start the survey here: https://awoc.org.uk/ageing-without-children-survey-2026/
Please share widely. The more voices included, the stronger the evidence base. If you work with community groups, older people, carers, or equality‑led organisations, please help us spread the word.
Together, we can ensure that people ageing without children are seen, heard, and supported.