Life Long singles

Many aspects of living are noted or even celebrated from time to time. For life-long singles who have had to work their way through the trials of living by themselves and reach an old age, little is mentioned of them. They are like a minority and not included in the larger societal picture.  They are taken for granted to be the same as the rest. Yet, some made it to the elderly age. Their being single going unnoticed at a birthday party. They are congratulated for being of age but not for making it on their own. Cards do not acknowledge or applaud the fact that the person is a bachelor or bachelorette. This is life long endeavor and planning, not just school graduation or some special note of accomplishment on a job or other situation. They have to prepare how to daily live day to day, year to year mostly on their own, not viewed as a bachelor or bachelorette.

Perhaps viewed as more expendable than other societal elements in a society that has proclivities towards nondifferentiation.

They go to bed and wake up alone each day, even in their old age it is the same. They are not thought of as being single when they reenter daily activities. At old age, their single social life is likely constrained by physical means and they have no one else to speak for them. Since the greater majority of contacts base their assumptions on set social norms and not what suits or may be befitting an elderly's single's life. They will also continue to face situations that require an attending partner, not by oneself.

May also reference: "Being Single!" by neurostar.