Increase: Experts predict an increase in one-person households to 44%.
Women handle living alone better than men, according to a new study carried out by Edinburgh University.
Researchers claim men are more likely to experience financial problems and health difficulties.
Females are also less likely to be disadvantaged by the housing market or to feel socially isolated.
The two year study looked at the lives of 140 solo dwellers aged between 25 and 44.
In general, those in one-person households are more likely to be disadvantaged in finance, health and housing. However, men were more likely than women to suffer.
The most recent Scottish Household Survey revealed that 29% of men living alone earn less than £10,000 per year, compared to 21% of women. A higher proportion of women are educated to degree level and in professional jobs, and they are more likely to own their own home.
However, researchers found that the majority of those living alone did not feel isolated, even when experiencing economic disadvantages. Most had busy networks of friends and were assisted by the rise in social networking online.
Half of the women and a third of the men interviewed were in a relationship but chose to live separately for a significant period of time.
Men are twice as likely as women to live alone, however, the General Registrar Office for Scotland predicts an increase in the proportion of one-person households to 44% in 2031.
Professor Lynn Jamieson, who led the research, said: "With the predicted increase in the proportion of one-person households there are implications for a range of social provision such as income support, pensions, health and housing."
