Who is a Solo Ager?
An adult 55+ who, because of choice or circumstance,
is without reliable support most often provided by adult children or close family members.

Dear Subscriber First Name,

Welcome to the December issue of Navigating Solo™ News!

2025 has been an extraordinary year for the solo aging community! Awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities of aging independently continues to grow, and our network is reaching more people than ever.

NavigatingSolo.com has flourished this year, with our mailing list growing significantly and our Navigating Solo™ Podcast sharing stories, insights, and practical guidance that inspire and inform solo agers nationwide.

Our website is packed with resources to help you navigate healthcare, finances, housing, and community connections with confidence. This year, storytelling and shared experiences have strengthened our connections, helping solo agers feel seen, supported, and empowered.

I remain committed to amplifying the voices of solo aging advocates, sharing individual journeys, and offering actionable solutions for thriving independently. Explore the site and discover how your path to dynamic solo aging continues here!™

Thank you for being part of this growing community! Please share this newsletter and our resources with others who may benefit. Here’s to continued connection, learning, and empowerment in 2026!

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

I will be out of the office from
December 20, 2025 - January 6, 2026!

• Solo Aging in the News

• End of Year Sale on The Navigating Solo™ Planning Workbook

• Upcoming Events: 2nd Table Talk, SAVvy Day, and more!

Articles:

• A Retirement Guide for Solo Agers, Diane Harris, Kiplinger

• Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute’s new Solo Aging Research & Guides

• More Older Adults Are Living Alone. Is That a Good Thing?, AARP

Recorded Discussions: (click to watch each recording), view the archive on the Navigating Solo Website for access to more than 60 videos, interviews and presentations

• Navigating Solo Table Talk, November 18, 2025

• TED Talk: Dr. Jay Zigmont, November 2025

• Spotlighting the Unique Needs of Childfree Solo Agers, Positive Aging Community

FREE Downloads available on NavigatingSolo.com:

• 2025 Winter and Holiday Preparedness Checklist

• Complimentary “tool” is the Round TUIT graphic

• Quick Guide: What to Do If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney

• Download Our Free “Go Bag & Plan” Checklist!

• National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) April 16, 2026, Planning Checklist

Blog Posts: Navigating Solo Network, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC

• Winter Holidays and Solo Aging in 2025

• Communicating Effectively with Your Provider

• What to Do If You Don’t Have a Power of Attorney

• Shake Up Your Advance Care Plan!

• Putting Together Your Own Medical “Go Bag & Plan”

• Take Charge of Your Health: The Power of a Personal Health Record

• Language Matters: A Guide to Inclusive Communication for Solo Agers & Professionals

2026 is Almost Here and It Is Time To Plan With Confidence!

To make The Navigating Solo™ Planning Workbook more accessible before the new year, the price has been adjusted to $125 through December 31.

- Instant digital download
- Tools to organize your support, documents, and priorities

Take the step today! Planning for your future shouldn’t wait.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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!