Solo agers are older adults who do not have a reliable support system, often without adult children or close family to help navigate healthcare, planning, and daily decisions. Despite their growing numbers, most aging-related systems assume family involvement. The Navigating Solo™ Network exists to address this gap by offering guidance, tools, and community specifically designed for people aging independently.

Being "Solo-Aware" is a professional and community standard that recognizes the unique logistical, legal, and emotional realities of individuals navigating the future without a traditional family "safety net." It was established in 2024 to move the conversation beyond generic aging advice and toward solutions that prioritize the autonomy and agency of the solo ager.

Navigating Solo Network was founded by Ailene Gerhardt, an independent board-certified patient advocate, Certified Senior Advisor®, and national authority on solo aging. The Navigating Solo™ Network is informed by Ailene’s professional advocacy experience and shaped by the voices and lived experiences of solo agers across the country.

The Navigating Solo™ Network provides practical, doable support for adults aging solo, including national online programming, panel discussions, regional and discussion groups, workshops, planning tools (free and for purchase), and an extensive online resource library. The site also hosts The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, free downloads such as checklists and planning tips, and a newsletter to help solo agers stay informed and connected.

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Navigating Solo™ offers multiple ways to connect, learn, and plan alongside others, including free virtual programs, regional connection opportunities, Table Talks, discussion groups, and other community-based offerings.

Some resources and programs are free, while others involve a fee or license depending on the level of structure, facilitation, or planning support provided.

Visit our Community and Upcoming Events pages to see current opportunities.

Navigating Solo™ provides education, frameworks, research, and licensed resources for professionals and organizations working with solo agers.

Current offerings include the 2026 Navigating Solo™ White Paper, Solo-Aware guidance and tools, professional education, and licensed discussion-group curriculum for professionals and community organizations.

Our professional resources are designed to help healthcare, legal, financial, aging-services, and community professionals better understand and respond to the realities of aging without reliable family support.

Visit For Professionals to explore current offerings.

Navigating Solo™ offers resources at different levels of depth so you can choose what fits your needs and where you are in your planning.

Free resources include the Where Do I Start? interactive planning tool, the Navigating Solo™ Compass, educational downloads, articles, multimedia content, and community programming.

For those ready for more structured action, Navigating Solo™ also offers paid planning tools, the Planning Workbook, focused planning resources, and licensed discussion-group curriculum.

New resources continue to be developed as the needs of solo agers and the professionals who support them evolve.