Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula Building Your Personal Village: A New Approach to Aging Solo
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Aug 7, 2025 Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Community, dives into the realities of aging solo with thoughtful insights drawn from over 35 years in the senior living field. He emphasizes creating a 'personal village' for emotional and practical support. Steve discusses the importance of proactive planning, the role of aging life care managers, and how to select trusted proxies for crucial decisions. He addresses the unique challenges introverts face in building connections, alongside the transformative role of technology in fostering communication and combating isolation.
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From A College Project To A Lifework
- Steve Gurney created a small guide after helping his grandfather enter a nursing home.
- That guide grew into the Positive Aging Sourcebook he's run for 35 years.
Everyone Will Face Solo Aging
- Steve Gurney says everyone will likely face solo aging at some point in life.
- He urges planning because partners or children may be unavailable or geographically distant.
Talk First, Then Document
- Have conversations with people about your wishes before you draft legal documents.
- Document those talks and tell people where your paperwork lives to avoid costly confusion.