These days, I often hear the saying, "The smarter a person is, the more they live alone as they age."

At first, I nodded in agreement because as we get older, having someone around can become bothersome.

But I realized that this saying is half true and half dangerous. Believing it completely can lead to serious issues.

As people age, their social relationships tend to decrease. It becomes exhausting to cater to others, make plans, and invest emotionally like before.

To be honest, I dislike noise, I dislike nagging, and I find it bothersome to clash with others. As a result, I come to appreciate how comfortable living alone can be. Meal times, sleep times, what to wear, where to go, everything is up to me. I don't have to worry about anyone else, I monopolize the remote control, and I fill the fridge with my favorite dishes. The older I get, the more I feel how great this freedom is.

So, the saying, "Ah, smart people live alone" comes from this realization.

However, this saying is only partially correct.

The reason smart people live alone is not because "they have no loneliness" but because "it's easier to manage." Being alone makes it much simpler to take care of one's health, lifestyle, and spending. Variables like someone being sick, going out, or buying something decrease.

The problem arises when this mindset is pushed to the extreme. A person cannot go on alone for long. As we age, loneliness physically manifests. It's not just a matter of feeling down; sleep becomes elusive, energy wanes, and illnesses become more frequent. Nowadays, the most frightening thing in hospitals is elderly isolation. Living alone may seem liberating, but complete isolation can turn that freedom into a poison.

Therefore, the truly smart choice is not "to live alone or to live together." It's about how to live alone.

You should live close to a hospital, meet friends regularly, and have access to a community or church where you can connect with others. There should be someone to call in an emergency, and the structure should allow you to hear voices of people when you step outside. Creating such an environment while living alone is what being smart is about.

Many people mistakenly think that living alone is a sign of strength. However, as we age, the criteria for strength change. When young, endurance is strength, but in old age, being able to receive help is strength. Insisting on doing everything alone is not wisdom; it's a risk.

In the end, the saying, "Smart people live alone as they age" is not entirely wrong, but it is a dangerous statement.

Truly smart people live alone without feeling lonely, enjoy their freedom while ensuring safety, and maintain independence while staying connected with others. This is easier said than done.