ProAging Podcast

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:

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.

In a podcast episode from the Positive Aging Community, Steve Gurney welcomed Mary Ek, Director of Dementia Friendly America (DFA), and Beth Soltzberg of the Memory Care Alliance to discuss Memory Cafes—innovative gatherings that transform community support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. This article summarizes their insights on the origins, impact, and future of Memory Cafes, emphasizing how these programs foster connection, reduce isolation, and challenge stigma.The Roots of Dementia Friendly AmericaMary Ek describes DFA not just as an organization, but a growing nationwide movement dedicated to building communities where people with dementia and their care partners can thrive. DFA began in Minnesota in 2011 as "Act on Alzheimer's" and expanded nationally after the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. Today, DFA partners with USAging, spans 400 communities, and supports over 225,000 trained “Dementia Friends”—people who learn to recognize dementia and respond supportively.Ek explains, “We do this through a multi-sector approach, knowing that everyone has a role in creating communities that welcome and engage those living with dementia and their care partners.” One recent DFA focus is its partnership with the Memory Cafe Alliance, whose directory and resources are now hosted on the DFA website.What Is a Memory Cafe?Beth Soltzberg, whose social work at Jewish Family & Children’s Service in Boston made her a leader of Memory Cafes, reports starting with eight participants in 2014; her network now serves nearly 2,000. Memory Cafes, originating in Holland and now global, offer welcoming, fun social gatherings for people experiencing cognitive changes and those who care about them.Cafes vary widely—some feature artists or musicians, others emphasize casual conversation. Venues range from libraries and museums to gardens and bowling alleys. A short video from the podcast captures their spirit: “Memory Cafes are welcoming gatherings for those with cognitive changes or dementia, along with caring family, friends, and professionals. It’s a social hour, which everyone needs.” Attendees say things like, “I learned joy at a memory cafe,” reflecting real emotional uplift.Combating Isolation and StigmaDementia can cause deep isolation due to symptoms, stigma, or misunderstanding. Soltzberg stressed how activities once enjoyed may become harder, increasing loneliness. Memory Cafes provide joyful, normalizing spaces to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.By emphasizing fun and belonging, Cafes counter stigma. Soltzberg notes, “People can live with dementia for many years. They need to keep living their lives.” Ek points out that DFA’s Dementia Friends program teaches meaningful engagement for non-professionals, turning uncertainty into positive action.Real-Life Stories of ImpactPersonal stories reveal the transformative power of Memory Cafes. Soltzberg recounted helping a woman invite her decades-long friend with dementia to a music-themed Cafe. The invitation rekindled friendship and gave remote relatives peace of mind, knowing a joyful activity was scheduled. Ek shared how a man, long after his wife’s passing, remained close to other caregivers he’d met at a Cafe—proof that these are more than events, but life-changing connections.These interconnected initiatives remind us that dementia can be a catalyst for community and deeper connection. Soltzberg concluded, “People can live well with dementia. We need to work together to support that.” Learn more and find or launch a Memory Cafe at dfamerica.org or memorycafedirectory.com.

In a recent episode of the Positive Aging Community podcast, host Steve Gurney sat down with Mary Ek, a key figure in the Dementia Friendly America (DFA) initiative, to discuss how communities across the United States are transforming to better support individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Ek, who has been involved since the program's early days, shared the origins, growth, and impact of DFA, highlighting its role in fostering welcoming environments where people with dementia can live, engage and thrive.From Minnesota Roots to National MovementEk's journey with dementia-friendly efforts began in 2011 in Minnesota, where she helped launch a statewide initiative called Act on Alzheimer's. Initially an educator turned project manager, Ek was drawn into the work after raising a large family. "I was part of the group that led the effort to get this going in Minnesota before it was handed off as a national initiative in 2015," she explained. She rejoined the effort in 2022, working remotely for USAging (formerly the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging), and has witnessed the program's remarkable expansion.The initiative took root through Minnesota's Area Agencies on Aging, which spearheaded community-level changes. Recognizing its potential, the program went national at the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. USAging stepped up as the administrator, leveraging its network of over 600 area agencies on aging and Title VI programs to provide a backbone for the movement. "They've been powering the Dementia Friendly America movement since 2015," Ek said, noting how the model from Minnesota—starting small and creating ripple effects—has scaled nationwide.What Is Dementia Friendly America?At its core, DFA is a multi-sector approach to building communities where people with dementia and their care partners can live well, engage socially, and remain in their homes as long as possible. "It's essentially a multi-sector approach to creating communities where people living with dementia and their care partners can live, engage, thrive, play, and just live well with dementia," Ek described. It's not limited to healthcare; it involves businesses, faith communities, libraries, banks, first responders, and more. The goal is to equip everyone—from individuals to organizations—with simple tools to make environments more supportive.The Three Pillars of DFADFA rests on three interconnected pillars, each designed to drive change at different levels:Dementia-Friendly Communities: This community-level effort brings sectors together to adapt spaces and services. Over 400 communities have engaged, starting with small steps like making faith communities or libraries more accessible. "It truly is a ripple effect," Ek said, noting how volunteer-driven groups, departments on aging, or local foundations lead these flexible, adaptable initiatives.Dementia Friends USA: Adopted in 2016 as a sub-license from the global program originating in Japan, this individual-focused pillar educates people on recognizing dementia signs, communication tips, and taking action. Participants commit to simple acts, like supporting a neighbor or encouraging others to join. With over 225,000 Dementia Friends across the U.S. and sessions in more than 40 states (plus an online option), it's a catalyst for broader change. "We want to teach people to walk toward people living with dementia rather than away," Ek explained.Memory Cafe Alliance: The newest pillar, this partnership provides safe, welcoming spaces for people with dementia and their care partners to socialize. Over 500 cafes are listed on the DFA website, offering free gatherings with food, music, activities, or entertainment. "It's not about the diagnosis; it's about just celebrating all that they can do and enjoy together," Ek said. An online curriculum helps anyone start a cafe, often beginning with Dementia Friends training.

In today’s world, aging brings both wisdom and challenges—yet conversations about dementia are too often whispered in the shadows of fear and stigma. What if a single one-hour session could replace those whispers with confident, compassionate action? That’s the promise of the Dementia Friends program: a global movement revolutionizing how communities support individuals living with dementia, and those who love them.On a recent Positive Aging Community podcast, host Steve Gurney spoke with Jennifer Hammer, Assistant Director of Dementia Friendly America at USAging, and Marty Williman, Program Director at the Ohio Council for Cognitive Health. Together, they described Dementia Friends as not just educational, but deeply human—designed to foster inclusion, reduce isolation, and demonstrate that living well with dementia is possible.A Global Movement Rooted in EmpathyDementia Friends isn’t clinical; it’s for everyone—neighbors, cashiers, librarians, even zoo staff. Launched in the US in 2016, the program is now part of a worldwide network across 50+ countries, aiming to change how we think, act, and speak about dementia. Under the umbrella of Dementia Friendly America and USAging, Dementia Friends works alongside the Dementia Friendly Communities initiative and Memory Cafe Alliance, each supporting those impacted by dementia. Williman noted, “We haven’t found a community sector yet that couldn’t use this information.” With most people with dementia living in their communities, not nursing homes, these programs help everyone play a part in creating supportive environments.Inside a Dementia Friends SessionSessions are casual, interactive, and welcoming—no prior knowledge required. Led by trained volunteers called Champions, each session covers basics: what dementia is, types, and risk factors. But the heart lies in five core messages—crowdsourced from people with dementia in the UK—that debunk myths with hope:Dementia isn’t a normal part of aging; it’s caused by brain disease.It’s more than memory loss—judgment, communication, and decision-making are also affected.Living well with dementia is possible, grounded in adaptation, dignity, and respect.Capping off the hour are practical tips and an “action pledge.” Participants receive resources customized for their region. Williman shared that nearly everyone knows someone impacted by dementia, and that the networking these sessions spark is often life-changing.From Fear to Hope: Real StoriesThe program’s impact is seen in how perceptions shift: Asked what words come to mind before and after a session, people move from “fear” and “regression” to “hope,” “respect,” and “fighter.” Williman recalled an attendee who decided to reconnect with a sibling living with dementia after years; others, like first responders and adult day staff, now embed Dementia Friends in orientation and ongoing training. Ohio’s program is adapted for developmental disability communities, faith groups, and even those aging in incarcerated settings—underscoring its universal relevance.Looking Ahead: Dementia FriendsgivingMomentum for Dementia Friends is building. On November 18, 2025, Dementia Friendly America will host its free “Dementia Friendsgiving” event, with expert sessions, networking, and a keynote by acclaimed dementia educator Teepa Snow. Hosted by Gurney, it’s a major national inflection point for inclusion and learning. Find details and registration at dfamerica.org.Why This MattersDementia touches people of all backgrounds—young, old, at book clubs or airports. Dementia Friends proves that awareness bridges stigma and empathy, empowering anyone to make a difference. Hammer summed up the impact: “This is the most positive job I’ve ever had.” Williman emphasized the ripple effect: change starts with one person, one action, one community. Interested in making a difference? Attend a session at dfamerica.org.

In a world where many approach retirement with caution, Rita Collins stands out as a beacon of proactive living and boundless curiosity. A former teacher, entrepreneur, and world traveler, Rita recently shared her remarkable story in an interview with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community. Now a resident at Roland Park Place, a life plan community in Baltimore, Maryland, Rita's path to this new chapter is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Her tale weaves together global moves, innovative businesses, and a deep commitment to community—offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of aging.

Rita's story begins with a lifelong love of exploration. From her twenties onward, she has lived in eight U.S. states and two countries overseas, embracing change as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Her professional life has been equally diverse in her sixties, she sought a fresh adventure. Living in rural Montana—a town of just 1,500 people—she dreamed of opening a bookstore. Recognizing that a traditional brick-and-mortar shop wouldn't thrive in such a small market, she innovated: a traveling bookstore housed in a van.

This wasn't Rita's first foray into entrepreneurship. In the early 1990s, shortly after moving to Montana, she co-founded a nonprofit to address gaps in arts, adult education, and social services in her community.

Rita's move to Montana in the early 1990s stemmed from visits to friends and the affordability of land at the time. She and her then-husband bought property while living in Portland, Oregon, eventually relocating full-time. There, she taught at a community college, built deep community ties through her nonprofit, and immersed herself in local life. But after a decade, personal challenges—a failing marriage and the events of 9/11—prompted another shift. Seeking a fresh start, she took an eight year overseas adventure with teaching job in Romania (two years), then in the Czech Republic (six years). 

Upon returning to Montana, Rita launched her traveling bookstore, which became a success.

Rita approached her relocation with the same planning prowess she applies to everything. She created a spreadsheet of criteria: an urban setting for walkability, a nonprofit organization for financial stability, onsite management, and no affiliation with a large corporation. As a lifeplan/continuing care retirement community (CCRC), it needed to offer seamless transitions to assisted living or memory care if needed—eliminating future upheavals.

Leveraging her bookstore travels, Rita visited potential communities in Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. Roland Park Place emerged as the clear winner. "Hands down, it met all my criteria," she says.

Life at Roland Park Place balances independence with community support. With about 250 residents in independent living, spanning ages from the sixties to over 100, the population is diverse in interests and backgrounds. Rita appreciates the arts programming—concerts, painting, music—and the administration's responsiveness.

For Rita, the move was about more than convenience; it was about building a network proactively. As a solo ager without close family ties mentioned in the interview, she values having a ready community for potential health changes. "I wanted to develop that community before it was a necessity," she explains, contrasting it with those who move later in life and struggle to form bonds. The CCRC model ensures continuity: "All of that is on campus and would be seamless."

At the heart of Rita's story is St. Rita's Traveling Bookstore (/saintritasbooks.com), now in its 11th year. Housed in a high-top van stocked with 700-800 volumes organized by category, it's a portable haven for readers.

The Positive Aging Community recently hosted a discussion on the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program, featuring Ron Hess, Executive Director of Cherry Blossom PACE. The PACE program is a comprehensive healthcare solution designed to help older adults remain in their homes rather than moving to institutional settings. It provides a coordinated package of medical, physical, emotional, and social services, including transportation, delivered by a familiar team. Originating in San Francisco in the 1970s, PACE has expanded to over 180 programs across 33 states, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional Medicaid services. The program is available to individuals aged 55 and older who meet specific medical and residency criteria. While most participants are enrolled in Medicaid, PACE also accommodates those with Medicare or private pay options. The discussion highlighted the program's adaptability, its role in facilitating proactive care, and its partnerships with various healthcare providers. For those interested in starting a PACE program, the National PACE Association offers resources and guidance. The session emphasized the importance of reaching out to local PACE programs for personalized assistance and information. 

Cherry Blossom PACE Contact Information

Who Is Eligible for PACE?

Eligibility for PACE is determined by four basic criteria:

Each program performs its own assessment to determine if participants can be safely supported outside of institutional settings. The Cherry Blossom PACE program, for example, serves Alexandria, Fairfax, and Arlington counties in Northern Virginia and provides transportation and home services within those regions.

While most PACE participants are Medicaid recipients, qualifying for Medicaid is not a requirement. For those with Medicaid, care is typically covered in full. Participants without Medicaid may enroll via Medicare, or privately, paying a fixed monthly premium (often less than what a nursing facility would cost), with all specialty care, medications, and transportation included—no copays or deductibles.

PACE is designed to be efficient: on average, states spend about 12% less on PACE enrollees compared to other Medicaid services. Importantly, the program has shown resilience to Medicaid funding changes, remaining largely insulated from recent cuts.

PACE is much more than an adult day program or a simple provider network. It operates as both a health plan and provider, coordinating hands-on healthcare, specialty services, medications, and transportation. Cherry Blossom PACE, for instance, partners with local vendors, specialists, and service providers to deliver everything from home modifications to primary care, while maintaining a closed pharmacy model for safety and consistency.

Even continuity with outside primary care providers is possible if a contract is in place. The essential principle is flexibility and individualized care planning. Home care, for example, can include assistance with meals, exercises, and companionship—tailored to each participant’s daily needs and lifestyle.