Who is a Solo Ager?
An older adult 55+ who is without the
reliable support of adult children or close family members.

Dear Subscriber First Name,

Welcome to the August issue of Navigating Solo™ News!

As the summer winds down, I am reflecting on how much visibility and momentum the solo aging movement continues to gain. When I launched The Navigating Solo™ Network in October 2021, my goal was to shine a light on the unique experiences of solo agers and provide resources, strategies, and community to support confident planning. Together, we have built a vibrant national network of professionals and solo agers who are deeply committed to making solo aging better supported, stronger, and more connected.

This year, I have had to step back at times to attend to some medical needs, which has kept me out of the office more than I anticipated. I am glad to share that I am regaining energy and momentum and am looking forward to a robust and engaging fall ahead.

This month brings exciting opportunities to learn, connect, and plan ahead: our new discussion group cohort begins in September, we are launching fresh solo aging resources for purchase, and I’m excited to share a brand new way for you to help bring solo agers together in your community with our Navigating Solo™ Facilitator’s Discussion Guide.

As always, I encourage you to take a look at what’s new, share with colleagues and friends, and remember you do not have to navigate solo.

Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA
Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate
Certified Senior Advisor®
Solo Aging Educator and Advocate
Founder, Navigating Solo Network™
Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC
Host, The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

At-a-Glance: What’s Inside This Month

• Solo Aging in the News: Spotlight on the latest coverage of solo aging stories.

• Upcoming Events: Our Fall Navigating Solo™ Discussion Group begins September 9, join from anywhere!

• New Resources for Purchase: Launching September 15: The Navigating Solo™ Planning Workbook and the The Navigating Solo™ Planning Guide Series to support your personalized solo aging plan. Available Now: Navigating Solo™ Facilitator’s Discussion Guide designed to help facilitate your own discussion group.

• Tools to Help You Choose: A comparison chart to match which planning resource meets your planning needs (Workbook or Planning Guides, or both).

Solo Aging in the News

This section features selected articles and recorded discussions highlighting solo aging stories. Look for thought provoking reads and resources you can share with your networks.

Articles:

• Next Avenue, Flipping the Script: When a Health Care Advocate Becomes the Patient,

• Senior Living, Seniors Living Without Family: How to Thrive as a Solo Age

• Harvard Health Publishing, Solo aging: Who can you rely on?

• Forbes, Are You A Solo Ager, Or Will You Be? What To Consider

• Forbes, Secrets Of Successful Solo Agers

• Los Angeles Daily News: What to consider if you’re a ‘solo ager’ without a family support net

• Market Watch: Opinion: The next big real-estate boom: Homes for people living alone

• The Navigating Solo Resource Library includes links to articles, interviews, research, video presentations/discussions, access to finding local resources and (NEW addition) information about solo aging and free infographics!  Visit the library here and refer others to the fantastic resources available!

Recorded Discussions (visit the Navigating Solo Network FREE Library to view any recordings or listen to interviews, etc)

• Ask the Experts, PSS Life University

• Community as Family: Empowering Solo Agers to Build Their Own Support Networks, Positive Aging Community with Wendl Kornfeld

Upcoming Events

Our next cohort launches on September 9, 2025 and is open to anyone no matter where you are located! Please take the Eastern Time Zone start time into account!

Discussion Group Meeting Dates, Tuesdays,
6:00 pm ET, 5:00 pm CT, 4:00 pm MT, 3:00 pm PT:
September 9, 16, 30, October 7, 14, 21

Who This Group Is For:
This discussion group is designed for individuals who are at the beginning of solo aging planning. Whether you are newly identifying as a solo ager or just starting to think about how to plan for your future without traditional family support, this group will provide you with a welcoming space to explore key solo aging topics, gain practical insights, and begin building a personalized plan with guidance and support.

Available for Purchase September 15, 2025

A collection of eight downloadable guides designed to help you create a proactive solo aging plan, one topic at a time. Use them individually or together for a complete planning roadmap.

• Each Guide: $22

• Buy 2+ guides → SAVE 5% with code SAVE5

• Essentials Bundle (Guides 1–7): $154 (regularly $176)

• Bonus Gift: Get Guide 8 Putting It All Together FREE with bundle purchase!

Bring Solo Agers Together. Create Connection.
Plan with Purpose.

What’s Inside the Guide?

• Six session themes with real life relevance

• Guided discussion questions to spark conversation

• Worksheets and planning checklists for participants

• Reflection prompts and suggested timing

• Tips to keep your group focused and welcoming

• Access to facilitator support materials

Who Is This For?

• Solo agers ready to take the lead and build community

• Friends who want to plan and learn together

• Peer facilitators, Neighbors, Community Leaders, or Professionals

• Anyone who wants to create connection and support

Complete the Interest Form!

Navigating Solo Network: The path to dynamic solo aging starts here!™, an initiative of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, is a national network and online clearinghouse featuring events, news, and resources specifically for Solo Agers!