New Delhi, Nov. 27 -- What we plan for ourselves isn't always what life plans for us.

Mansi, 50, was preparing for a peaceful retired life with her husband who had taken early retirement. But his sudden death means she now faces retirement alone.

She is among a rising number of Indians entering their golden years solo-due to death, divorce, or by choice. With more young people choosing to stay single, this unspoken reality requires far more rigorous planning.

Traditional retirement plans often assume shared living and shared support. For solo retirees, the financial and social needs are different. Mansi's daughter lives in the same city-but not close enough to be involved daily. Besides, many older adults today want independence, not d...