Older men living alone are disadvantaged compared with older women in similar circumstances

Peggy Drexler : Nearly 1 in every 5 men ages 65 to 74 live alone, according to the U.S. Census Bureau data.

Drazler: Men over age 75 have the highest suicide rate, by far, among all age groups.

She says research shows that men tend to have fewer friends than women and be less inclined to make new friends.

Drezler: When men are widowed, health and well-being tend to decline more than women's.

Bob Greene : Transition from being coupled to being single can be profoundly disorienting for older men.

Greene: "I find myself talking to her all the time, most of the time in my head,” Lodovico Balducci , 80 , was married to his wife, Claudia , for 52 years before she died in October 2023 .

He said his anxiety has "exploded" since Claudia 's death, and he plans to help as much as possible with his grandchildren.

Rousseau stays busy with volunteer activities, cleaning tanks and running tours at Jackson ’s fish hatchery.

“I wish I had an answer, but I don’t,” Rousseau said.

He says he doesn't see his daughters taking care of him, and there's no one else who can help him.