In a rapidly aging world, where the growth of older adults is reshaping societies and economies, innovation isn't just welcome—it's essential. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) Startup Challenge and Accelerator, now in its 2025 edition, is fueling this transformation. From 300 applicants nationwide, 21 standout companies were selected for their groundbreaking work in devices, digital health, and activity-promoting tools. Hosted by the NIA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the accelerator provides funding, mentorship, and networking to bridge the gap between cutting-edge ideas and real-world impact. Learn more about the program here.

On a recent episode of the Positive Aging Community podcast, host Steve Gurney sat down with four of these trailblazers: Kareem Elfoulie of Senior Shield Technologies, Marie Brodsky of WISE Connect, Neal Shah of CareYaya, and Stefano Selorio of Carevocacy. What emerged was a tapestry of personal stories, disruptive solutions, and shared optimism about dismantling the stigmas and barriers of aging. These entrepreneurs, many drawing from their own family caregiving experiences, are reimagining dignity, connection, and affordability for older adults.

https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/innovators-from-the-2025-national-institute-on-aging-nia-startup-challenge

In the quiet chaos of a family crisis, a single phone call can upend your world. For Beth Pinsker, CFP®, that call came when her 76-year-old mother, living independently in Florida, faced spinal surgery and needed help managing her daily life—and her money. What followed was nine months of medical ups and downs, culminating in her mother's passing and the grueling task of settling her estate. Pinsker, a retirement and financial planning columnist at MarketWatch, channeled this experience into her new book, My Mother's Money: A Guide to Financial Caregiving. It's not just a memoir; it's a roadmap for the 63 million Americans—often sandwiched between their own lives and aging parents—thrust into financial caregiving roles.As a Certified Financial Planner who doesn't manage client money, Pinsker's expertise shines through her journalistic lens. "I just write about this stuff for educational purposes and to help guide people through holistic planning," she explains in a recent interview with the Positive Aging Community. Her book demystifies the "mess" of elder finances, blending raw storytelling with practical tools. Structured in five parts—Getting Started, The Cost of Care, How to Make the Money Last, Settling the Estate, and Workbooks—it's designed to turn dread into doable steps.

Sam Simon, 85-year-old ex-Nader's Raider and lifelong troublemaker, shares his raw story in this exclusive interview with Steve Gurney of Positive Aging Community. Diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's, Sam turns terminal dread into triumphant advocacy via his memoir Dementia Man: An Existential Journey (Amazon: https://a.co/d/f7bJ8vq) and one-man play.

In a heartfelt conversation that blends personal vulnerability with practical wisdom, Joyce Kelly, an 81-year-old retiree from Silver Spring, Maryland, shares her unconventional approach to one of life's most daunting transitions: planning for aging. Hosted by Steve Gurney, founder and publisher of the Positive Aging SourceBook, the discussion reveals how Joyce turned her solo quest for a life plan community into a communal adventure. What started as a quiet exploration has inspired dozens of friends, neighbors, and even strangers to confront their fears about growing older—not alone, but together.

Group Power: Turning Solo Tours into Social Safaris

The catalyst was simple—a mention at her monthly women's group of Public Health Service retirees, a circle she's belonged to for over 30 years. When Joyce shared plans to attend an open house at a nearby life plan community, her friends' response surprised her: "Every woman said they wanted to join me." What she intended as a solo reconnaissance became a group outing. Over six months, Joyce and at least three companions attended open houses at eight communities within 20 miles of her home. These visits were possible because life plan communities across the county offer frequent open houses; no organizing required—just show up and learn, often with resident “ambassadors” who share unfiltered insights.

The Living Room Summit: A Panel of Peers, Not Pitchmen

The "working session" in Joyce's homeJoyce's boldest move? Hosting a "working session" in her home on healthy aging in place versus community living. Drawing from her women's group of former Public Health Service colleagues, two neighborhood book clubs, longtime friends and neighbors, and a local listserv, she invited 55 people. Forty showed up with furniture cleared to make room for folding chairs in her living and dining rooms.

Gurney's college analogy fits perfectly: Choosing a life plan community is like picking your next school—a large university's vast resources or a small liberal arts college's intimate vibe? "You don't get that inter-community opportunity" elsewhere, he marvels. Joyce's accidental "summit" bridged the gap, helping attendees "soak it up" without pressure. 

The Realities: Costs, Waitlists, and Solo Struggles

Amid the inspiration, hard truths emerge. Life plan communities are "extremely expensive," Joyce warns. Selling their Silver Spring home would cover an entrance fee, but monthly costs hover in the thousands—less for studios, but Paul balks at drastic downsizing. Younger friends worry for widowed mothers with limited means; even pooled family resources often fall short. The Sourcebook, Joyce adds, shines here, spotlighting affordable aging-in-place alternatives.

For singles—about 25% of Joyce's close circle—the hurdle is emotional: Uprooting a cherished townhouse alone at 80 feels "overwhelming." "When they moved in, they were in their thirties," she notes. Joyce now scouts tailored fits—a low-walk community for one friend, high-culture options for another, Rockville-specific spots for a third—offering to join tours as a buffer.

Don't Delay: The Universal Call to Action

Across eight visits (one community, seven times), Joyce has chatted with over 100 residents. Their mantra? "Don't delay. Move now." Gardens, gyms, musicals—they thrive when you're "young enough and energetic enough." No regrets for moving "too soon," only warnings against waiting for a health crisis.

For Joyce, this heightens tension with Paul: "I'm 81—how much longer do I want to risk it?" But her process replaces paralysis with possibility. "All of this—the meetings, the visits, reading resources—provides opportunities to replace fear with curiosity," she says. It's not about an "old age home" as a final stop; it's owning your path.

For now, her revolution ripples: A reminder that aging isn't a solo slog. Grab a friend, a book club, or a neighbor. Fear fades when curiosity leads the way.

In a world where aging brings complex challenges—from health shifts to family dynamics—professional guidance can transform overwhelm into empowerment. On November 5, 2025, Positive Aging host Steve Gurney led a lively roundtable with three seasoned Aging Life Care Managers®: Mindy Lee of ElderTree Care Management (Northern Virginia), Teresa Boring of Aging Well Eldercare (Maryland), and Jennifer T. Szakaly of Caregiving Corner (Charlotte, NC). These pros, representing larger practices with teams of 10-21, shared how they orchestrate seamless aging journeys. If you're caring for a loved one or planning your own later years, this discussion offers practical wisdom.

Aging Life Care Management isn't new—it's thrived since the 1980s as a holistic field blending social work, gerontology, and problem-solving. "We're experts in aging well," Szakaly explained. They partner with older adults to craft personalized plans, pivoting as needs evolve, to sidestep crises and amplify joy. The Aging Life Care Association® boasts over 2,000 members nationwide; find one at aginglifecare.org by zip code—urban areas yield dozens, rural spots may need broader searches.

Panelists drew vivid analogies: Mindy as the "orchestra conductor," harmonizing doctors, caregivers, families, and housing for safety and delight. Teresa likened it to "wedding planners for aging"—universal elements like care and finances, but tailored details, since no two strokes (or life stages) are identical. Jennifer emphasized their tagline: bridging today to aspirational tomorrows, whether independence or community living.

All three entered via social work or gerontology, drawn to its impact. Mindy shifted from child welfare to nursing homes and home health, finding her passion in "what I couldn't envision doing anything else." Teresa's grad specialization in aging launched her dream role, starting Debbie's Angels program. Szakaly grew her solo gig into a 21-person team over 20 years, loving the "rewarding problem-solving."

At the core? "What does living well look like for you?" Mindy urged. It's subjective—independence for some (like chat participant Irene), connections for others. They dive deep: initial visits uncover joys from lifelong hobbies, even in dementia, via art or music therapy. "We build plans around what brings joy," Mindy said, adapting if home isn't viable.

Transitions to senior living demand nuance. Families often arrive mid-crisis—"five-alarm blaze," per Mindy—resistant to losing autonomy. Experts assess clinically (care levels), personally (preferences like quiet vs. vibrant), and financially (private pay, LTC insurance, Medicaid). Crucially, no kickbacks from communities ensure objectivity. "We tour with clients, spotting nuances like an introvert needing an 8-bed unit," Mindy noted. Teresa scouts under-the-radar gems with "fantastic care for decades." Jennifer stresses resident connections: "Pair Mom with a beanie baby collector buddy—game-changer."

Home alternatives shine too. They vet co-housing, multigenerational setups, or modifications—handymen for grab bars, contractors for ramps—balancing sustainability against caregiver costs, which can soar regionally.

Beyond housing, they advocate fiercely. Accompanying to doctors (scheduling, transport, notes) fills gaps in brief visits. "We've noticed unsteady gait—PT orders?" Mindy prompts. For Ed's mom with knee issues and walker reliance, home-visit docs vary by area, but managers facilitate everything: rides, in-car help, follow-ups.

Therapies (OT, PT, speech) integrate seamlessly, in-home or community-based, per insurance. "We ensure what's needed, no matter the setting," Jennifer affirmed. Chatters like Leslie (therapist) and Melinda (community staff) praised this: managers enhance lifestyles, not compete.

A growing 25% of U.S. adults—childfree or permanently childless—face unique aging challenges without traditional family support. In the Positive Aging Community's October 29, 2025 webinar, moderated by Steve Gurney, experts Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, and Dr. Jay Zigmont, CFP®, unpacked financial, legal, and social strategies for thriving as "solo agers."

## Redefining Solo Aging: Empowerment Over Stigma

Geber, who coined "solo aging" 12 years ago, shared her wake-up call: Married but childless, she realized "there was going to be nobody left behind" in a crisis. Ditching the painful "elder orphans" label, she promotes "solo aging" as neutral and proactive. "It doesn't put a negative spin on things. It just works," she said. Surveys show childfree solo agers crave deeper connections, outliving networks due to longevity gains.

Geber urges building social communities early: "Build your network now—before health declines." Retirement or moves often disrupt ties, but villages, cohousing, and apps like Snug (for check-ins) help.

## Tailored Financial and Legal Safeguards

Zigmont, founder of Childfree Wealth (four years strong), exposed flaws in standard planning: It assumes kids. "It's bad advice," he warned. His new Childfree Trust fills the gap, serving as nationwide medical/financial power of attorney, executor, and trustee for $999/year.

Via "care docs," it captures wishes for activation in emergencies—like hospital calls triggering pet sitters or asset management. A survey of 600+ childfree adults? Less than 20% have wills. Zigmont partners with trust firms for scalability: "We're that person when friends can't be."

Hybrid approach: Lean on chosen family for daily support, pros for heavy lifts like long-term care. For legacies sans heirs, opt for "warm hand" giving (live philanthropy) over cold bequests.

## Actionable Takeaways from Attendees

Chat buzzed with queries: International travel? Trust handles it. No relatives? Free tools like freewill.com start basics. Pets? Line up immediate caregivers. Resources flowed—Aging Life Care (aginglifecare.org), Five Wishes directives, Area Agencies on Aging.

As one participant noted: "I'm more worried about community than money." Geber and Zigmont agree: Plan now for dignity.

For more, visit sarazeffgeber.com or childfreetrust.com. Solo aging? It's liberated control.

In a world where dementia affects millions, the narrative often leans toward loss and isolation. But what if communities could rewrite that story—one where people living with dementia not only survive but thrive, connected and included? That's the heart of the Dementia Friendly Nevada (DFNV) initiative, and few voices capture its urgency and hope like Casey Venturini, director of DFNV and a passionate advocate shaped by personal experience.In an interview with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Venturini shared his journey from family care partner to national leader in dementia inclusion. His story isn't just inspirational; it's a call to action for communities everywhere. From Personal Loss to Professional PurposeVenturini's entry into this work was deeply personal. Growing up in a multigenerational household, he was as close to his grandparents as his parents. At age 11, his grandfather was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which significantly impacted his final years. The diagnosis felt like a door slamming shut. The community seemed to withdraw, leaving his grandfather isolated in a slow, tragic decline—mirroring the Hollywood tropes of inevitable goodbye. This revelation transformed his view. Today, his grandmother lives with dementia in New York, supported by a network that embraces possibility over pity. "She's not suffering with dementia. She is living her life with dementia," Venturini explained. It's a stark contrast to his grandfather's experience, underscoring how knowledge and community support can turn challenge into chapters of growth.This grassroots approach recognizes that dementia-friendly work isn't one-size-fits-all. Each community brings unique strengths and needs, making the movement a "collaborative learning effort" under the national umbrella of Dementia Friendly America, which has thrived for nearly a decade.The Core Values: An Ethical Roadmap for InclusionAt the soul of DFNV are eight shared values, collaboratively crafted with people living with dementia, care partners, and professionals. Presented to the Nevada Legislature in 2017 by someone living with dementia, these principles frame dementia-friendly efforts as "citizenship work"—calling for full societal engagement, not just dementia-related programming.People can live well with dementia. Hope is foundational; without it, opportunities for well-being vanish.Partnering with people living with dementia and honoring each individual's lived experience opens a world of possibilities. People with lived experience of dementia are the true experts, in this work, co-leading—not just participating in—dementia-friendly and inclusive initiatives.Recognizing, validating, and responding to all forms of expression as meaningful communication supports well-being. Communication evolves; assuming intent behind every word and action builds deeper connections.When supporting a person living with dementia, we should always strive to see the world from their perspective.People living with dementia have the right to freedom. Diagnosis doesn't strip away autonomy; communities must safeguard choice.People living with dementia can grow and thrive. A diagnosis marks a new chapter, a comma not a period, and a life with dementia can be a life of meaning, growth, and joy with the right support. Proactive supports and services reduce the need for reactive interventions. Upstream conversations across sectors prevent crises and cut costs.A dementia-inclusive community is a strong community; everyone needs community, and communities need everyone. Inclusion benefits all, fostering connected, resilient societies.Venturini's work emphasizes collaboration, echoing a key model from Dupuis, Gillies, Carson, et al. (2012): the "Authentic Partnerships" framework. For more information visit https://dfamerica.org/

In a world that often glorifies youth, it's refreshing to hear stories that remind us: age is just a number, and reinvention is always possible. That's the core message from Sheila L. Agnew McCoy, a 74-year-old Chicago native, certified senior fitness specialist, and nine-year breast cancer survivor. In a recent interview with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Sheila shared her journey from corporate burnout to empowering women over 40 through fitness, inspiration, and unapologetic self-love. "As long as the wheel keeps turning, keep going," she says with infectious energy. "Don't stop the wheel. You don't have to."

Sheila's story begins with a rebellious spark. As a teenager in Chicago, she once painted bold black stripes across her bedroom walls—a symbol of her spontaneous spirit that would define her life. Raised and educated in the Windy City, she spent a decade in corporate America before launching her own event planning and decorating business. But after 25 years of hustle, burnout hit hard. "I got burned out," she recalls, "and then I started doing women's programs."

What started as listening sessions revealed a deep need: inspiration, encouragement, and confidence-building for older women. Around age 40, menopause loomed large—"That is scary," Sheila admits—and it ignited her passion. She dove into research, wrote a slim book in the early 2000s encouraging women over 40, and began leading workshops. "I said, you know what? That's really what I always have wanted to do."

Fitness entered the picture organically. After gaining a few pounds from her demanding business, Sheila started walking, then biking along Chicago's lakefront. "It became a passion for me," she says. Not athletic in school—"The only thing I liked about athletes was the men's sports team; I liked going to the gym to pass by the boys' locker room"—she discovered joy in movement during her late 30s and early 40s. Hiring a personal trainer helped her feel confident in the gym, and soon, compliments rolled in: "Wow, you're looking good." That validation fueled her further.

Fast-forward to 1999: Sheila was a regular at gyms wherever life took her. At 65, a young trainer pulled her aside. "You should be a senior fitness specialist," he said. "I've been watching you, and other women are watching you too." She got certified, weaving it seamlessly into her workshops and book. Now, at 74, Sheila runs the Smart Path to Fitness for Active Adults, a program designed to dismantle excuses. "If you've never been to a gym, if you've never exercised, if you've got health problems—there's too many excuses out there," Steve notes. Sheila's response? Modifications for everyone, from chair exercises to wheelchair adaptations.

Her own health battles underscore this. As a breast cancer survivor, she's passionate about regaining range of motion post-surgery or during treatment—especially timely in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of her certifications is in corrective exercises, targeting imbalances from injury, surgery, or disease. "A disease does not have to stop you. Injury does not have to stop you," she insists. "You just have to get the correct program." She urges physical therapy and continuity: "I try to do modifications when I do exercises, so it could be for everyone."

Sheila's Facebook group, Lifestyle Fitness for Active Adults, offers quick exercises, meal preps, and motivation. Her website, sheilaagnew.com, is a gateway to workshops, her book, and more. As Steve urges: "I hope that our community members go there and get engaged with your community. You're a great inspiration."

In Sheila's words, it's simple: Start where you are, keep the wheel turning, and embrace the full you. At any age, that's the real reinvention.

David Emerson Frost, a thought leader and author, brings a powerful and optimistic message about aging, purpose, and health in a recent conversation with the Positive Aging Community. Drawing on his diverse background as a Navy veteran, college athlete, and fitness writer, Frost argues that while aging is inevitable, thriving as we age is both possible and within reach through intentional action and holistic habits.

Central to Frost’s philosophy is the “7 S Model”—strength, stability, stamina, stretching, stress (or, more accurately, managing stress), restorative sleep, and an anti-inflammatory diet. He calls this the “Stamina 90” model, emphasizing that attention to these seven lifestyle pillars, most days of the week, is key to thriving into one's nineties. Frost warns against shortcuts like over-reliance on medications, advocating instead for movement, nutrition, and sound sleep to help people avoid or delay the onset of multiple health conditions.

Frost embraces global best practices, referencing Scandinavian concepts such as the joy of outdoor living, resilience, and “hygge”—practices that foster happiness and adaptability even in challenging conditions. He suggests that, in healthcare, we can learn from cultures that promote lifestyle changes before pharmaceutical interventions, emphasizing exercise and nutrition as first-line strategies before reaching for prescriptions.

Frost’s first book, "Ka Boomer," argues for an empowered approach to aging—where “Ka boomers” take steps, not just pills. His follow-up, "Strong to Save," targets Generation X and highlights the core importance of building multiple types of strength as we age, using Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a model for resilience. He encourages everyone to adopt resistance training, maintain functional strength, and leverage technology or natural supplements judiciously to augment wellness, always with a critical eye toward evidence and necessity.

Frost’s upcoming work, "Burden or Banish," explores a paradox central to aging: while most elders don’t want to become a burden, without planning and proactive health habits, that outcome remains common. The book aims to provide tools for minimizing the strain on caregivers and maximizing healthy years ("healthspan") by addressing top threats like heart disease early and consistently practicing preventive health measures.

The conversation stresses that social isolation, while a risk at any age, becomes especially damaging for older adults. Frost celebrates close friendships and family ties but notes the demographic shifts leading to more solo agers and the need for intentional connection and support. Drawing from the Blue Zones research and the Japanese concept of "ikigai" (purpose), he argues that finding purpose and staying connected—whether through volunteering, faith communities, or social clubs—rank among the top factors for happiness and longevity past age eighty.

Frost introduces the idea of a “physical portfolio,” likening the investment the government makes in each American’s life to the investment individuals must make in maintaining their health. He urges everyone to sustain their physical assets to match the immense value society places on life, reinforcing that the foundation for quality of life and independence is built day by day through intentional choices.

Frost closes with a call to courage: quoting Eleanor Roosevelt, he challenges everyone to do something uncomfortable each day and lean into growth. He reminds us that it is never too late to reinvent oneself, find new purpose, and build stronger, more supportive communities—aging, he insists, can be a platform for deeper wisdom, connection, and personal achievement.

This article is drawn directly from the conversation and insights shared by David Emerson Frost with the Positive Aging Community on October 10, 2025, highlighting practical strategies and hopeful perspectives for living well at any age.

At the heart of the discussion was Linda J. Camp, the creator of The Backup Plan. A Minnesota-based innovator with 28 years in the public sector and 15 years teaching adult learners, Camp's journey into solo aging advocacy was deeply personal. "I am one," she shared candidly, reflecting on her own life without family nearby and the long-distance caregiving struggles for her father, who lived alone in northern New York until dementia complicated his independence. "He looked like he had the support he needed, but he was actually a solo too."

Frustrated by the lack of tailored resources—barriers like rural isolation, urban overload, and suburban silos—Camp applied her systems-thinking expertise to design a scalable model. Over a decade of experimentation, she tested formats: from top-down information sessions (too passive) to unstructured peer groups (lacking direction). The result? A flexible framework that empowers rather than dictates.

"It's a model, not a program," Camp clarified in response to an audience query. Unlike expert-led workshops with predefined topics, The Backup Plan is a bottom-up approach for building self-managing peer groups of 6-12 solo agers. Key components include:

• A Sponsoring Organization: Provides free meeting space and helps recruit participants through newsletters, word-of-mouth, or community networks. "They don't have to do very much," Camp noted—just enough to remove logistical hurdles like rental fees.
• A Coach: Not a facilitator, but a guide who "keeps an eye on things" like a basketball coach from the sidelines. "The coach doesn't dribble the ball," Camp quipped, emphasizing the role's focus on gentle steering, feedback, and resource nudges.
• Peer-Driven Tools: Free participant and coach manuals (copyrighted but licensed at no cost) offer frameworks, not checklists. They encourage results-oriented thinking: "Here's what we're trying to accomplish. Recognize that you are the expert of your own life." Examples abound for diverse contexts, from rural resource scarcity to urban abundance.

The model's goals are threefold: equip organizations to better serve solos, cultivate communities for shared problem-solving, and motivate individuals to tackle tough tasks like healthcare directives. "People hate doing them," Camp admitted, "but it makes a difference if everyone else is struggling too—they can talk it out and divide the research."

Research underpins the peer focus. Camp cited studies, including one from the University of Pennsylvania on the Oprah Book Club, showing peers drive change more than experts. "People buy books because their friend said it was good, not because Oprah did," she explained. This "tribe" dynamic builds not just plans, but lasting bonds that combat isolation.

In Minnesota, the impact is tangible: 12 active groups, two launching soon, and seven more organizations in the pipeline—more in greater Minnesota than the Twin Cities metro. "We're offering new infrastructure where resources are limited," Camp said proudly.

Julia Ockuly, the first Backup Plan coach and volunteer service coordinator at Longfellow Seward Healthy Seniors in Minneapolis, brought the model to life. Her group, part of a "living at home block nurse program," started in 2021 amid pandemic restrictions—fittingly, their inaugural meeting was outdoors in a gazebo. "We had about eight people," Ockuly recalled. "It was coming out of isolation, and they've stuck with it."

Challenges arose: Ockuly initially struggled to step back from leadership, and socializing often eclipsed planning. "People wanted to connect, which makes sense," she said. But evolution followed. The core group of 8-12 now blends monthly socials with guest speakers on topics like healthcare directives, solo travel, death doulas, green burials, and nature accessibility. "We've delved into end-of-life planning, but also community politics and safety," Ockuly shared.