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Positive Aging Community: Solo Aging All-Stars Roundtable Discussion
Join the Positive Aging Community for an engaging and informative live & interactive session with three Solo Aging Thought-Leaders to share their knowledge and best practices.
Ailene Gerhardt Founder of Navigating Solo Network
Sara Geber Author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers
Nancy Ruffner Solo Ager and Patient Advocate
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Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
On Thursday, January 30, the Milton COA and Milton Public Library will launch a five-part online series on the Unique Needs of Solo Agers.
Research tells us:
27% of adults aged 60 and older in the U.S. live alone
36% of "Baby Boomers" live in single-person households
30% of respondents to a Pew Research survey with children would prefer not to involve them in their care as they age
Workshops will meet for five sessions from January 30 through March 6, 2025 (1/16, 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, and 3/6) on Zoom hosted by the Milton Public Library.
Registration is REQUIRED and open to all.
Topics to be covered during the workshops include:
January 30: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers
February 6: Health Care Decision Making and the Value of Advance Care Planning
February 20: Evaluating, Assessing, and Enhancing Your Support System
February 27: Where You Live Matters: Exploring Best Housing Options Are For You
March 6: Bringing It All Together: Developing An Organized Solo Aging Plan
Funding for the program is through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and there is no charge to participate. We do ask those who register to make a commitment to attend most of the workshops. The workshop series is open to all.
Participants may be asked to complete anonymous surveys several times during the series. These surveys are designed to gauge the effectiveness of the workshops and to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Questions? Call the Milton Council On Aging at (617)898-4893

Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
On Thursday, January 30, the Milton COA and Milton Public Library will launch a five-part online series on the Unique Needs of Solo Agers.
Research tells us:
27% of adults aged 60 and older in the U.S. live alone
36% of "Baby Boomers" live in single-person households
30% of respondents to a Pew Research survey with children would prefer not to involve them in their care as they age
Workshops will meet for five sessions from January 30 through March 6, 2025 (1/16, 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, and 3/6) on Zoom hosted by the Milton Public Library.
Registration is REQUIRED and open to all.
Topics to be covered during the workshops include:
January 30: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers
February 6: Health Care Decision Making and the Value of Advance Care Planning
February 20: Evaluating, Assessing, and Enhancing Your Support System
February 27: Where You Live Matters: Exploring Best Housing Options Are For You
March 6: Bringing It All Together: Developing An Organized Solo Aging Plan
Funding for the program is through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and there is no charge to participate. We do ask those who register to make a commitment to attend most of the workshops. The workshop series is open to all.
Participants may be asked to complete anonymous surveys several times during the series. These surveys are designed to gauge the effectiveness of the workshops and to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Questions? Call the Milton Council On Aging at (617)898-4893
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Conference Presentation: Creating a Supportive Community for Solo Agers: Best Practices and Innovations
Virtual Symposium 2025 | Harnessing the Power of Social Work: Compassion in Action
Thursday, May 1 & Friday, May 2
Join the NASW-MA and NASW-RI Chapters on Thursday, May 1 & Friday, May 2, 2025, with Keynote Speaker Loretta J. Ross, an activist, public intellectual, scholar, the 2022 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "Genius" award, and an Associate Professor at Smith College. Symposium 2025 is featuring 80+ live and on-demand workshops. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with experts in the field and gain new skills at innovative workshops.
May 1, 8:00 am: Creating a Supportive Community for Solo Agers: Best Practices and Innovations. Speaker: Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA® (applies to anti-discrimination CEUs). This presentation will address the unique concerns of solo agers, focusing on innovative best practices for creating and sustaining support. Attendees will explore case studies gaining insights into development, collaboration, outreach, engagement, and sustainability.

Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
On Thursday, January 30, the Milton COA and Milton Public Library will launch a five-part online series on the Unique Needs of Solo Agers.
Research tells us:
27% of adults aged 60 and older in the U.S. live alone
36% of "Baby Boomers" live in single-person households
30% of respondents to a Pew Research survey with children would prefer not to involve them in their care as they age
Workshops will meet for five sessions from January 30 through March 6, 2025 (1/16, 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, and 3/6) on Zoom hosted by the Milton Public Library.
Registration is REQUIRED and open to all.
Topics to be covered during the workshops include:
January 30: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers
February 6: Health Care Decision Making and the Value of Advance Care Planning
February 20: Evaluating, Assessing, and Enhancing Your Support System
February 27: Where You Live Matters: Exploring Best Housing Options Are For You
March 6: Bringing It All Together: Developing An Organized Solo Aging Plan
Funding for the program is through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and there is no charge to participate. We do ask those who register to make a commitment to attend most of the workshops. The workshop series is open to all.
Participants may be asked to complete anonymous surveys several times during the series. These surveys are designed to gauge the effectiveness of the workshops and to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Questions? Call the Milton Council On Aging at (617)898-4893

Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
Milton Council on Aging Solo Aging Online 5 Part Series: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
On Thursday, January 30, the Milton COA and Milton Public Library will launch a five-part online series on the Unique Needs of Solo Agers.
Research tells us:
27% of adults aged 60 and older in the U.S. live alone
36% of "Baby Boomers" live in single-person households
30% of respondents to a Pew Research survey with children would prefer not to involve them in their care as they age
Workshops will meet for five sessions from January 30 through March 6, 2025 (1/16, 1/30, 2/6, 2/20, 2/27, and 3/6) on Zoom hosted by the Milton Public Library.
Registration is REQUIRED and open to all.
Topics to be covered during the workshops include:
January 30: The Unique Planning Needs of Solo Agers
February 6: Health Care Decision Making and the Value of Advance Care Planning
February 20: Evaluating, Assessing, and Enhancing Your Support System
February 27: Where You Live Matters: Exploring Best Housing Options Are For You
March 6: Bringing It All Together: Developing An Organized Solo Aging Plan
Funding for the program is through a grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging and there is no charge to participate. We do ask those who register to make a commitment to attend most of the workshops. The workshop series is open to all.
Participants may be asked to complete anonymous surveys several times during the series. These surveys are designed to gauge the effectiveness of the workshops and to ensure that we are meeting your needs.
Questions? Call the Milton Council On Aging at (617)898-4893
Navigating Solo: Addressing the Unique Needs and Concerns of Solo Agers (In Person)
Navigating Solo Aging: Addressing Unique Needs and Building Support
In-Person at the Brookline Senior Center, Brookline, MA
Whether you self-identify as a ‘solo’ ager (an adult 55+ who, because of choice or circumstance, is without the reliable support of adult children or close family members) now or may do so in the future or simply know others who might, this program is for you. We will explore the unique needs, concerns, and priorities of those navigating aging without a reliable support system. During our overview discussion will review needs related to navigating healthcare and building community, as well as strategies, and tips for avoiding loneliness and isolation. Tools for identifying and creating support systems will also be suggested. Attendees will leave this talk with useful resources and questions answered. You can learn more about Ailene and her work with solo agers: https://www.beaconpatientsolutions.com/ourworkwithsoloagers. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hear from a nationally known sol oaging thought leader—reserve your spot today!
This program is generously cosponsored by Hattieʹs Caring Hands Home Care.
Registration Required: (617) 730-2770
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IN-PERSON Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
In-Person 5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.
In Person Event: register by contacting the North Andover Senior Center: (978) 688-9560.
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IN-PERSON Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
In-Person 5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.
In Person Event: register by contacting the North Andover Senior Center: (978) 688-9560.
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National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter 2024 VIrtual Symposium
Virtual Symposium 2024 | Reaching Across The Divide: Opportunities for Hope, Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26
Join the largest gathering of social workers, mental health professionals, and community leaders across Massachusetts, on our Two-day Conference on Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26. This year, the NASW-MA Chapter will be hosting a Virtual Symposium event, with the theme Reaching Across The Divide: Opportunities for Hope
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IN-PERSON Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
In-Person 5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.
In Person Event: register by contacting the North Andover Senior Center: (978) 688-9560.

IN-PERSON Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
In-Person 5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.
In Person Event: register by contacting the North Andover Senior Center: (978) 688-9560.

IN-PERSON Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
In-Person 5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.
In Person Event: register by contacting the North Andover Senior Center: (978) 688-9560.
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American Society on Aging's On Aging 2024 Conference
On Aging is the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for members of the American Society on Aging. On Aging 2024 will bring together thousands of professionals working in aging and related fields in San Francisco, California from March 25–28, 2024.
Join experts, gerontologists and thought leaders from diverse fields to drive innovative solutions in aging.
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ONLINE PROGRAM: North Andover: Navigating Solo: Tools For Creating Your Plan For Aging Well
5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.

ONLINE PROGRAM: North Andover: Navigating Solo: Tools For Creating Your Plan For Aging Well
5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.

ONLINE PROGRAM: North Andover: Navigating Solo: Tools For Creating Your Plan For Aging Well
5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.

ONLINE PROGRAM: North Andover: Navigating Solo: Tools For Creating Your Plan For Aging Well
5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.

ONLINE PROGRAM: North Andover: Navigating Solo: Tools for Creating Your Plan for Aging Well
5 part series offered by Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA, Solo Aging Educator, in partnership with the North Andover Senior Center and the Stevens Memorial Library
Join Ailene Gerhardt, Board Certified Patient Advocate at Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, as she explores the unique considerations and planning needs of solo agers. She will review specific needs related to healthcare, community and programs and resources available to support your journey.

ONLINE PROGRAM: DOROT: How to Be Your Own Best Advocate with Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA
DOROT: How to Be Your Own Best Advocate with Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA
During this presentation, we will discuss how to partner with your medical provider and how to be an active, knowledgeable, engaged participant in your own care. We will also review tools and checklists to use to navigate your care and answer your questions. Ailene Gerhardt, Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) is the founder of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. Ailene has been helping people navigate the complexities of the healthcare system since 2011.
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