In this special episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt brings together four remarkable solo agers for the inaugural Navigating Solo Table Talk. The panelists shared lived experiences that reveal the challenges, resilience, and creativity involved in aging without "traditional" family support structures. Their stories illuminate both the complexity and the empowerment found in navigating life on one’s own terms.

How each panelist discovered the concept of “solo aging” From caregiving wake-up calls to reading an article that changed everything, each story reveals a moment when awareness shifted.

Building an empowering narrative Natalie shares how redefining stigmatizing labels helped her reclaim agency. Stephen talks about proudly self-defining as a “solo ager" and building a life that balances planning with joy.

Finding or creating supportive community Whether through affinity groups, grief-to-growth programs, gym friendships, online networks, or local Villages, connection plays a crucial role in solo aging.

Taking small but meaningful steps toward planning Stephen highlights the value of “small steps” and “time affluence” post-retirement. Ailene reflects on how “small” looks different for everyone—and that even placing a pen on a desk is a step forward.

The emotional and logistical challenges of paperwork Natalie recounts the frustration and grief involved in updating beneficiaries when forms assume a spouse and children. Jody describes the difficulty of selecting a fiduciary and navigating a system with limited oversight.

The unpredictability of aging Jody reminds us that none of us know how we will age—and that even the best plans need flexibility.

Balancing the serious work with joy and exploration Travel, creativity, comedy, online discovery—even self-driving cars—are part of how this group approaches life with curiosity and humor.

💬 “I didn’t win the social norm lottery—but I still have life in me.” — Natalie 💬 “I’m not in a midlife crisis—I’m in a midlife chrysalis.” — Stephen 💬 “People have no idea what they’re going to face until it happens.” — Sandra 💬 “It’s impossible to plan for aging perfectly. It’s all a roll of the dice.” — Jody

Solo aging is diverse, personal, and deeply human. This candid conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own planning, consider new possibilities for support and connection, and feel less alone in the journey.

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.com
• The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.com
• The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos

Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more!

© 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Barbara Hughes Sullivan, Executive Director of the Village to Village Network, to explore how the Village Movement is transforming aging in community. Together, they discuss how villages empower older adults, including solo agers, to remain independent while building strong, trusted networks of support. Barbara shares stories from across the country of neighbors helping neighbors, from volunteers creating men’s social programs to villages organizing emergency responses during natural disasters.

They also unpack why “I’m not ready yet” can delay access to vital community connections, how villages rigorously vet service providers, and why partnerships with local organizations, from assisted livings to contractors, help expand reach and safety.

Barbara offers insight into how new villages form, what’s next for the national movement, and how listeners can get involved or start one in their own area.

• The Village Model connects older adults to community-driven services and social engagement.

• Villages play a vital role for solo agers, providing both safety nets and belonging.

• “I’m not ready yet” often shifts quickly, having a Plan B matters.

• Vetting, peer-to-peer trust, and volunteerism are the backbone of successful villages.

• New models like hub-and-spoke structures and regional incubators make villages more scalable.

• The Village to Village Network’s Healthy Aging in Villages research and 2025 national census will map the movement’s next phase.

About Our Guest: Barbara Sullivan is the Executive Director of the Village to Village Network (VtVN), the national organization supporting more than 300 Villages across the U.S. and internationally. Under her leadership, VtVN fosters innovation, mentorship, and collaboration within the grassroots movement helping older adults age in community with confidence and connection.

• Village to Village Network

• Villages Research Project – Rutgers University

• Navigating Solo™ Network

If you are curious about starting or joining a Village, or how community models like these can support your solo aging journey, explore the Village to Village Network map and resources, and visit NavigatingSolo.com for more episodes and guidance on planning for an independent, connected future.

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Connect with The Village to Village Movement:

• Website: https://www.vtvnetwork.org/
• Email: vtv@vtvnetwork.org
• Facebook: villagetovillagenetwork
• LinkedIn: village-to-village-network

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.com
• The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.com
• The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos

Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more!

© 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt, board-certified patient advocate and founder of the Navigating Solo™ Network, shares what it’s been like to shift from supporting others through health challenges to facing a health challenges of her own.

Ailene reflects on the emotional and physical toll of multiple diagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatments—all while living independently. She speaks candidly about the loss of routine, the disruption to her work, and the vulnerability of stepping into the role of patient after years of advocating for others.

Through sharing her story, Ailene explores:

• The blurred line between professional advocate and patient

• How illness can challenge identity and sense of control

• The critical importance of compassionate, person-centered care

• What it means to be present for yourself when your life feels upended

• How asking for help and acknowledging limitations can be acts of strength

This episode is a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a whole person—and that even those who guide others through healthcare systems need support too.

Resources & Links:

• Learn more about the Navigating Solo™ Network: https://navigatingsolo.com

• Listen to past episodes of the podcast: @navigatingsolo

• Ailene has also written an article for Next Avenue about her experience and you can read it here!

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: info@beaconpatientsolutions.com
• The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: info@navigatingsolo.com
• The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

View this discussion on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@navigatingsolonetwork/videos

Subscribe and follow us for more insightful episodes, and don’t forget to visit navigatingsolo.com for resources, updates, and more!

© 2025, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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