You are not alone in feeling this way.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2034 there will be more people aged 65 and older (approximately 77 million) than there will be under the age of 18 (approximately 76.5 million). In addition:

• About one quarter of baby boomers (born 1946–1964) did not have children.

• Approximately one third of Americans aged 45–62 are currently single.

These numbers reflect a profound demographic shift.

In previous generations, when older adults needed assistance with healthcare decisions, caregiving coordination, or advocacy, adult children or younger family members were often available to step in. Today, that assumption no longer holds true for many people.

For those who do not have children, or who are geographically distant from family, aging well requires an additional layer of intentional, thoughtful planning to ensure that support systems are identified, documented, and accessible when needed.

Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA, CSA®, recognized this shift years ago through her work as an Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate. She saw firsthand that a growing number of older adults were navigating medical, legal, and support decisions on their own, often without a clear roadmap.

The SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative was created to meet the specific needs of this expanding and often overlooked population. It is designed to provide structure, guidance, and peace of mind for those who are planning independently, but do not want to do it entirely alone.

Getting started is simple.

Complete the interest form below or contact us directly. Once we hear from you, we will schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to learn more about your situation and determine whether the SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative is the right fit for you.

If it feels like a good match, we will review the next steps together, complete the necessary paperwork, and schedule your first planning session.

There is no pressure. Just a conversation to explore what kind of support would feel most helpful for you.

• Personal Consultations: Create and compile your healthcare advocacy goals, priorities, and needs into a cohesive plan.

• Check-In Appointments: Review progress, update documents, and ensure your plan stays current.

• Emergency Point Person Services: Peace of mind knowing your documents are securely stored and accessible only to those you authorize. We’ll help coordinate communications with your emergency, medical, and support teams.

• Support System Evaluation: Strategically enhance your support network by identifying gaps and suggesting additional personal contacts or professionals who could strengthen your plan.

Compiling your Solo Aging PLAN is part of the first year of membership in the SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative.

Because each person’s situation is unique, including healthcare needs, existing support systems, and planning priorities. We begin with a complimentary 15-minute consultation to determine the appropriate level of support.

During that conversation, we will review:

• The fee for first-year membership

• What is included in your planning process

• Renewal options for ongoing support

• Any additional services you may wish to consider

Our goal is to ensure that you understand the investment clearly and feel comfortable before moving forward.

We believe thoughtful planning should feel empowering, not confusing.

Have you already completed parts of your Solo Aging Plan? Are your documents in place, but you’re looking for clarity, refinement, or accountability?

If so, a Solo Aging Guidance Plan may be a great fit.

This option is designed for individuals who:

• Have already completed some advance directives or legal documents

• Have identified members of a support system

• Own the workbook and have begun working through it

• Simply want structured guidance to strengthen, organize, or update what they’ve started

Rather than beginning from scratch, we focus on:

• Reviewing what you already have in place

• Identifying gaps or areas that need attention

• Creating a clear, manageable action plan

• Providing accountability and thoughtful next steps

Sometimes what you need is not a full initiative, but a strategic partner to help you move forward with confidence.

We’ll explore together which level of support feels right during your complimentary consultation.

The SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative is designed to provide structured planning, organization, and ongoing guidance. However, some situations require more hands-on advocacy support.

As an Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate, Ailene Gerhardt also offers a full range of patient advocacy services through Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, including:

• Medical appointment preparation and support

• Care coordination

• Insurance and Medicare navigation

• Appeals assistance

• Medical record organization

• Crisis advocacy and communication support

If additional services are needed beyond what is included in your Initiative membership, those services are billed separately at the current hourly advocacy rate.

Any additional advocacy work will be outlined clearly in a separate service agreement through Beacon Patient Solutions LLC and signed by both you and Beacon Patient Solutions LLC before services begin.

Our goal is always transparency, so you understand what is included, what is optional, and what to expect.

You will never be surprised by fees.

Community & Connection Opportunities

• Small Group Discussion: Participate in our facilitated online SOLO AGERS Discussion Group focused on the unique experience of aging independently.

• Facebook Community: Join our moderated SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative Facebook group to share experiences, concerns, resources, and tips with other solo agers.

• Workshops, Talks, & Webinars: Access educational events on solo aging, including future webinars and podcasts designed to guide and inspire.

Navigating Solo Network

We launched the Navigating Solo Network™: The Path to Dynamic Solo Aging Starts Here! - a national network and online clearinghouse offering resources specifically for solo agers. Members receive curated tools, guidance, and access to a broader community committed to thriving while aging independently.