Thank you to journalist Judith Graham for including founder Ailene Gerhardt and The Navigating Solo Network™ in her December 8, 2024 Washington Post column which appears as part her series about solo aging.

The winter holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness—or so it can seem on the surface. For many, it can also bring moments of loneliness or reflection, especially if navigating this time of year on one’s own. Add in the challenges of winter—shorter days, colder weather, and difficult travel conditions—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

While family-focused articles abound, the unique needs of solo agers—those navigating life without reliable support —deserve thoughtful attention.

The Navigating Solo Network was included in this article appearing on multiple websites about solo aging!

The Navigating Solo Network™ is celebrating our 3rd anniversary on October 21, 2024!

Founded in 2021, the Navigating Solo Network™ has grown into a vibrant resource hub and community for solo agers—individuals navigating life without the reliable support of adult children or family.

Award-winning journalist Diane Harris wrote an excellent article on planning for solo aging for the Retiring column of the Sunday, September 22, 2024 edition of the New York Times.

In it she interviewed and quoted solo aging thought leaders Sara Zeff Geber, Joy Loverde, Navigating Solo Network founder Ailene Gerhardt, and Rob Lyman. Each offered insights about planning for solo aging. She also highlighted The Navigating Solo website!

In recent political discourse, a video of a current political candidate resurfaced suggesting that those who are childfree / solo agers have less investment in the United States because they are not raising a future generation. This viewpoint is not only narrow but also fails to recognize the profound and multifaceted contributions solo agers make to society. Solo agers, those who navigate life without the reliable support of adult children or other family members, play a critical role in the world and in the United States, and their impact should not be underestimated or overlooked.

Crafting a well developed plan as one ages is imperative. For many people planning is overwhelming and it often leads to procrastination. Many will begin to work on planning when they get “around to it” and this can create complications. Planning is most effective when it is done proactively. If you are reading this and you were just waiting until you got “around to it,” that day has arrived.

Due to an enormously effective marketing campaign, the new Barbie film has taken over the zeitgeist. While there has always been a lot of discussion about Barbie's impact, it is worth noting that Barbie, now approximately 83 years old, is a Solo Ager.