BACKGROUND: Understanding whether living alone correlates with depression and suicidal ideation is key to identifying older adults at risk. METHODS: We pooled data from the 2005, 2010, 2017, and 2021 nationally representative cross-sectional Health Barometer surveys conducted by Santé Publique France, and focused on adults aged 65 to 75 (n = 12,026). Logistic regressions were performed to identify associations between 12-month major depressive episode (MDE), suicidal ideation (SI) and living alone, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Analyses were conducted in the overall sample and stratified by sex. RESULTS: Overall, 18.3% of men and 33.8% of women lived alone. In total, 5.5% of adults experienced MDE: 8.8% of those living alone and 4.3% of those not living alone (χ(2) = 80.94, df = 1, p < .001), and 2.9% reported SI: 4.8% of those living alone and 2.1% of those not living alone (χ(2) = 55.60, df = 1, p < .001). In the overall sample and controlling for sociodemographic factors, living alone was associated with MDE (AOR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.51-2.14). This held true both among men (AOR = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.60-3.32) and among women (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.38-2.06). Controlling for sociodemographic factors and MDE, living alone was associated with 12-month SI (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.49-2.44). This was true in men (AOR = 2.21, 95%CI = 1.46-3.34) and in women (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI = 1.24-2.29). LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional survey preventing causal interpretation. CONCLUSION: In the first ten years following typical retirement age, men and women living alone deserve attention from public health officials and clinicians as they, as a group, have a higher risk of MDE and SI, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions and social support strategies.