In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with members of Limelight LLC's Creative Team about their innovative theater production Solo Acts, which brings to life the stories of 18 solo agers from Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

You can also watch this discussion on The Navigating Solo Network's YouTube channel where you will be treated to a recorded "taste" of Solo Acts! View the discussion here!

About Solo Acts:

Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging is a generative performance designed to catalyze dialogue, raise awareness, and affirm the experience of solo agers. Each show is followed up by a dialogue/discussion based on the intended audience and/or organization/event.

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Connect with Limelight LLC: Limelight is a theatre consulting company. They create theatre and use theatre as a story-telling, community-building, and problem-solving tool. They devise and craft situational-specific works of theatre that are framed by a theory of change. Essentially, they want to use theatre TO DO something. 

• Website: https://www.limelightlive.org/

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: [email protected]

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Dr. Peggy Crawford, who shares her deeply personal journey into solo aging, which began not by choice but by circumstance. The transition started with her husband Denny’s illness, a period that altered their shared life and routines in profound ways. The loss of Denny, both as a partner and a source of emotional support, was pivotal, leading Peggy to embrace solo aging while navigating the grief and isolation that followed. Through this transition, she reflects on the importance of staying connected with others and seeking out new connections. Peggy also discusses the challenges of decision-making as a solo ager, from health care proxies to everyday life choices, which had previously been shared with her husband.

The conversation highlights how Peggy's professional background as a health psychologist helped her cope, as did support from new friendships and mindfulness practices, such as meditation and gratitude. Peggy explores the importance of taking risks to create new support systems. Peggy shares how she formed a kinship group for solo agers, which has flourished beyond expectations.

Listeners will be moved by the resilience, growth, and wisdom shared in this conversation, and gain valuable insights into navigating solo aging, grief, and the importance of self-care and community.  

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Connect with Dr. Peggy Crawford by emailing our podcast: [email protected]

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: [email protected]

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with caregiving and solo aging expert Joy Loverde. Joy, a trailblazer in eldercare and author of The Complete Elder Care Planner and Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?, shares her decades-long journey into caregiving, which began with a formative experience as a teenager. She discusses the unique challenges faced by solo agers, particularly the importance of planning for future caregiving needs in the absence of reliable family support.

Joy highlights the significance of early planning, establishing trust with potential caregivers, and understanding the financial and legal aspects of aging. Additionally, Joy introduces the often-overlooked idea that solo agers might also find themselves in the position of providing care to others, urging them to consider this possibility in their planning.

The conversation covers practical advice on how to start planning, including budgeting, housing considerations, and maintaining health. Joy also touches on the importance of being realistic about one's ability to take on caregiving roles and encourages open conversations about these responsibilities with friends and loved ones.

Throughout the episode, Joy and Ailene stress the value of being proactive and informed, and they provide resources for those who may not have the means to access professional advice.

This insightful discussion offers valuable guidance for solo agers at any stage of life, whether they are just beginning to think about their future needs or are actively navigating the challenges of aging alone.

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Connect With Joy Loverde:

• Website: ElderIndustry.com

     Books:

• Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: [email protected]

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt welcomes Sara Zeff Geber, the nation's leading expert on solo aging. Sara, an accomplished author, professional speaker, and certified retirement coach, shares her journey into the field of solo aging, inspired by a poignant conversation with a friend about future caregiving responsibilities. This led her to explore the unique challenges faced by individuals aging without traditional family support and to coin the now widely accepted term "solo ager."

Sara discusses the evolution of the term "solo ager," emphasizing its broader definition today, which includes not only individuals without children but also those who lack family support. The conversation delves into the demographic trends contributing to the rise of solo agers.

Ailene and Sara explore the crucial aspect of financial planning for solo agers and the discussion also highlights the importance of social connections and support networks for solo agers. Sara touches on the necessity of having a comprehensive estate plan, including a will, an advanced directive, and a designated power of attorney for healthcare and financial matters. She acknowledges the common challenge solo agers face in selecting proxies and encourages them to consider a wide range of trusted individuals, not just family members.

Throughout the episode, Sara offers invaluable insights and practical advice, making it clear that thoughtful planning and intentional connections are key to navigating the complexities of solo aging.

Her expertise and Ailene's thoughtful questions provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the unique needs and strategies for solo agers, empowering them to take proactive steps towards a secure and fulfilling future.

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Connect With Sara Zeff Geber, PhD:

Website: LifeEncore.com, Email: [email protected], LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber

Book: Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childfree Adults

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: [email protected]

The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: [email protected]

📥 Download "Connect With" Slide with Links for Sara and Ailene! 📥

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© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In the debut episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast,  your host Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA,  shares the inspiration behind starting this podcast. This episode outlines the primary goals of the podcast: to provide support, practical advice, and a sense of community for individuals navigating life on their own.

This podcast aims to be a companion and guide through insightful discussions, expert interviews, and real-life stories. Tune in to learn more about what to expect in future episodes and join the journey of navigating solo together.

Questions and ideas can be emailed to [email protected].

Welcome to The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, a dedicated platform where we explore the unique needs and concerns of solo aging with a focus on empowerment, connection, and proactive planning.