For me the issue is simple; go solo or stay at home. I was born before WW-II and among people my age, there are few that are interested in anything more strenuous than golf. So basically, there are no potential hiking companions in my age group, at least not that I'm prepared to take the trouble to meet. Moreover, younger people have tastes different enough from mine in life experience, music and philosophy that I don't really enjoy prolonged "togetherness" with them. I was raised during the depression and war years by parents who had a tough time of it and the influence of these years shows. I'm an internal and atavistic person; I enjoy company but am solitary by nature so long periods alone don't bother me. Like Trailrunner, when I'm alone, I tend to get into a mental state that is different from that of everyday life. I recognize the risks of solo hiking and try to mitigate them as much as possible. But, as has been stated often on this forum, the risks of driving to the trail head are probably greater than those on the trail. Also, in 60+ years of largely solo hiking and often solo forestry work, I have not, yet, been at risk simply because of being alone. So, as long as my body holds up, I'll be out there solo.