The Navigating Solo™ Podcast
 

The Navigating Solo™ Podcast

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Welcome to The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, a dedicated platform where we explore the unique needs and concerns of solo aging with a focus on empowerment, connection, and proactive planning. As a trusted healthcare advocate and national expert in solo aging, I am thrilled to launch this podcast to provide valuable insights, practical advice, and supportive resources for solo agers navigating the complexities and opportunities of aging independently. The Navigating Solo™ Podcast aims to: - Highlight innovative strategies and best practices for creating a fulfilling and secure future as a solo ager. - Equip solo agers with the knowledge and tools to thrive in their later years. - Foster a supportive community where listeners can share experiences and learn from and with one another. - ​​​Offer ​allied professionals interested in learning more about the unique needs and concerns of solo agers in-depth ​understanding​, ​expert ​perspectives​, ​and practical ​advice​ to help meet the needs of their clients and community members. 30 - 45 minute episodes will be released one the first and third Wednesdays of each month! Join Our Mailing List and more: https://navigatingsolo.com/navsolopodcast

EPISODES

Episodes

Retirement Reimagined: Finding Your New Routine on Your Own Terms with Norman Reiss

18 hours ago

18 hours ago

In this 37-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Norman Reiss, who recently retired after a career in technology, project management, and most recently, supporting older adults in living engaging and productive lives.

Norman shares his experiences leading a variety of online social and educational sessions, including a monthly group for Selfhelp, a weekly "Good Morning" session for older adults on GetSetUp, and newly launched discussions on "Secrets of a Happy Retirement" for Front Porch and Uniper.

Together, Ailene and Norman explore the importance of fostering meaningful connections during retirement, both virtually and in person. Norman discusses how these interactions provide emotional support, combat loneliness, and create a sense of belonging, even across digital platforms. He also shares insights on the value of intergenerational engagement and how stepping outside of one's comfort zone can lead to richer experiences in retirement.

Key topics include:

  • The role of online communities in creating authentic connections.
  • Tips for blending personal interests with opportunities to meet others.
  • Strategies for navigating the transition into retirement and finding a unique path.
  • The benefits of incorporating social activities into daily routines.

This episode is a must-listen for solo agers, recent retirees, and anyone looking to embrace a more connected and fulfilling lifestyle.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Connect with Guest Norman Reiss: podcast@navigatingsolo.com

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Men, Connection, and the Art of Solo Aging: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Jackson Rainer

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024

Wednesday Nov 06, 2024

In this engaging 47 minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt welcomes Dr. Jackson Rainer, a board-certified clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience in psychotherapy and a background as an emeritus professor and former Dean in the university system of Georgia. Dr. Rainer shares his personal and professional insights into the complexities of solo aging. This episode delves into the emotional and practical complexities that men face when navigating solo aging, from the initial transition to building meaningful connections.

Key Topics Discussed:

  • The Journey to Solo Aging: The emotional process of moving from being part of a couple to embracing solo life, and the unique ways men experience and cope with this transition.
  • Challenges in Building Connections: Why many men struggle to actively seek companionship and how traditional gender norms may influence their hesitancy to reach out and initiate relationships.
  • Vulnerability and Loneliness: The importance of understanding and accepting vulnerability, and the distinction between being alone versus feeling lonely. We discuss strategies men can use to open up and create meaningful networks of support.
  • Taking Risks and Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Our guest candidly reflects on the fears and uncertainties that come with solo aging. He shares personal insights about how taking risks, like traveling alone for the first time in years, can lead to growth and self-discovery.
  • Practical Tips for Connection: Encouraging men to be proactive in forming connections—like picking up the phone and making plans—rather than waiting for others to reach out. We also touch on how to practice self-reassurance and build inner confidence, especially during moments of isolation.

This episode is a rich and reflective discussion on the ways men can navigate solo aging with courage and curiosity. We hope it inspires listeners, men and women alike, to think about how they can better support themselves and each other.

Tune in and join the conversation on navigating vulnerability, making connections, and finding a sense of belonging as a solo ager.

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!

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Connect with Dr. Jackson Rainer, Ph.D., ABPP:

  • Website: https://www.drjacksonrainer.com/

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

 

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Navigating Life's Unexpected Falls: The Power of Advocacy and Support with Elizabeth A. Edwards

Wednesday Oct 16, 2024

Wednesday Oct 16, 2024

In this 43-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Elizabeth A. Edwards, who shares her personal experience of navigating life after a traumatic fall, highlighting the importance of community support and the challenges she faced living alone.
 
From navigating the healthcare system to rallying her "root sisters" and patient advocates, Elizabeth opens up about how her experiences have reinforced the significance of having a strong support network, legal documents like advance directives, and access to community resources. 
 
Her story illustrates the vital role of adaptability, self-advocacy, and support systems as we age.
 
Resources Mentioned During Our Conversation:
 
Professional Associations:
Advance Care Planning Resources:

National Resources Mentioned:

  • Senior Planet by AARP: A technology education program offering classes for seniors.
  • GetSetUp: an online platform that celebrates every older adult, offering opportunities for physical, mental, and social growth and enabling participation in communities
Resources Located in Idaho:
  • The Idaho Statesman Article About Population, January 15, 2024
  • Learn Idaho (Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network): An organization that offers free educational resources and senior technology classes in the Boise area.
  • HAPPEN (Healthcare Associates Providing Positive Education and Networking): A professional network offering educational sessions and healthcare resources in Boise.
  • Idaho Careline 211: A phone line providing resources and support for non-emergency services in Idaho.
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Connect with Elizabeth A. Edwards:

 

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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Bringing Solo Aging Stories to the Stage: The Heart of “Solo Acts” with the Creative Team at Limelight LLC

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

Wednesday Oct 02, 2024

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with members of Limelight LLC's Creative Team about their innovative theater production Solo Acts, which brings to life the stories of 18 solo agers from Southeast Michigan and Western New York.

The performance offers a glimpse into the diverse experiences of this growing demographic, with themes such as health, independence, and creative resilience emerging from the stories collected during the pandemic.

The conversation highlights the work of an intergenerational creative team—Decky Alexander, Sharon Cramer, Tyler Calhoun, and Hananiah Wiggins—who collaborated to develop and script these narratives. They discuss the challenges of conducting interviews during COVID-19, how these stories were gathered, and the powerful impact of seeing solo agers' experiences affirmed on stage.

This episode also touches on the broader mission of the project, aiming to challenge societal perceptions and advocate for the needs of solo agers.

You can also watch this discussion on The Navigating Solo Network's YouTube channel where you will be treated to a recorded "taste" of Solo Acts! View the discussion here!

About Solo Acts:

Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging is a generative performance designed to catalyze dialogue, raise awareness, and affirm the experience of solo agers. Each show is followed up by a dialogue/discussion based on the intended audience and/or organization/event.

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Connect with Limelight LLC: Limelight is a theatre consulting company. They create theatre and use theatre as a story-telling, community-building, and problem-solving tool. They devise and craft situational-specific works of theatre that are framed by a theory of change. Essentially, they want to use theatre TO DO something. 

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

© 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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