Navigating Solo™ Fall Get Together, November 2024
Watch the discussion:
On Thursday evening, November 14, 2024, 113 attendees joined us for our Fall 2024 Get Together. The highlight of the program was a panel of three self identified solo agers discussing navigating the holiday season, winter, and turning the page on a new year.
Throughout the program participants joined us from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Calgary, Canada.
About Our Panelists:
Michaela Cassidy is consultant, now working as an End-of-Life Doula (in training), providing companionship and support for those navigating life’s final transition. She previously held roles in corporate America as a change management consultant and executive.
Peggy Crawford, a retired clinical health psychologist, has been navigating solo life since her husband's death seven years ago. She co-teaches a Brain Health and Memory Fitness program at a local senior center, developed a community education program called “Aging and Thriving,” and founded a Kinship for the Kinless group, which has been thriving for the past 18 months.
Norman Reiss, recently retired after many years dedicated to helping older adults lead fulfilling lives. He continues to volunteer with organizations that offer programs for seniors, including Selfhelp, DOROT, Front Porch, GetSetUp, and Digital Grandparents.
What attendees said about the November 2024 event:
What was the most valuable thing you learned at the event?
Resources
“Kinship groups for the kinless was a fresh idea for me.”
“Hearing what other people are doing to manage on their own.”
Making Connections
“That there is a network of solo people out there to connect with.”
“It felt good to connect with other Solo Agers.”
Panel Presentation
“There are common concerns of solo agers and sharing these "out loud" is very useful.”
“We all march to the beat of a different (holiday) drummer. Hearing different ways to observe validates and empowers.”
“Hearing the speakers' personal experiences and getting some resources.”
“I liked having a panel discussion because it was informative and different!”
“I admire the people who participated in the Panel Discussion.”
What surprised you about the event?
“How many people attended and from so many places.”
“The resources I learned about ”
“I was immensely impressed with the positive attitudes of participants.”