How this project began…

According to the US Census Bureau by 2034, there will be more people 65 years and older (77 million) than there will be under the age of 18 (76.5 million). One quarter of baby boomers (born 1946-1964) did not have children and about one third of Americans aged 45 - 62 are currently single.

In the past, when an aging senior needed assistance with healthcare and caregiving matters, their adult child(ren) or other younger family members were available to help out. As the statistics above point out, in the case of the current senior populations, there are fewer adult children to provide assistance.

For those who did not have children, ensuring support as they age requires an extra layer of intentional and thoughtful planning to make sure supports are in place when needed. Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, is passionate about this issue and sees the need for enhanced support for solo agers. The services offered by the Navigating Solo Network ™ are designed to meet the growing needs and demands of this unique and important demographic.

Solo agers need and deserve:

• A wide array of support services and resources, many of which have only recently been developed or have not yet been created.

• To work with a diverse network of professionals that are knowledgeable about their unique needs

• Services, Tools, and Resources created with them in mind

• Guidance and support planning

• Greater public awareness

About Ailene Gerhardt, Navigating Solo Network Founder, Solo Aging Advocate and Educator and Board Certified Independent Patient Advocate (BCPA)

After growing up in South Florida, Ailene moved to Massachusetts to attend college. In the years that followed, Ailene received her undergraduate degree from Clark University and her master’s degree from Brandeis University.

While enjoying a successful 17-year career as a human services professional advocating for the needs of students, faculty and staff on college campuses, Ailene’s mother became gravely ill. Ailene experienced first-hand how draining and challenging navigating the intricacies of the health care system can be while actively supporting a loved one experiencing a healthcare crisis. The experience as her family member’s primary health advocate led Ailene to a career change and her calling as an independent patient advocate. She earned her Patient Advocacy Board Certification credentials in April 2018 and recertified in December 2021.

Ailene has developed a special interest and expertise regarding the needs of solo agers. She feels solo agers need and deserve a wide array of support services and resources, many of which have only recently been developed or have not yet been created.

Ailene is a sought after speaker and speaks regularly to community and professional groups about aspects of solo aging including effectively navigating the healthcare system, assessing and enhancing one’s support system, advance care planning, housing options, and compiling a solo aging plan.