This is a composite, illustrative example, not a single named individual's account.
One solo ager had maintained a close chosen family for over thirty years — long before "chosen family" was a widely used term. When it came time for solo aging planning, formalizing those relationships legally (power of attorney, health care proxy) was the only new step needed; the actual support network had already been in place for decades.
The lesson: chosen family often only needs legal formalization, not building from scratch, when it's already been lived for years.
This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Discuss designating a health care proxy or advance directive with your physician or a licensed attorney.