Living Longer, Planning Smarter with Cathleen Toomey

In this insightful episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt sits down with Cathleen Toomey, host of the podcast Seniority Authority to discuss all things aging! They dive into the evolving landscape of solo aging, exploring how living longer presents both unique opportunities and challenges. Cathleen shares insights on the importance of social connection and community involvement as we age, highlighting how volunteering and small acts of kindness can build meaningful relationships and improve well-being.

They also discuss the impact of negative self-talk and the barriers it can create when trying to form new connections, as well as practical ways to overcome these challenges by stepping slightly out of our comfort zones. Additionally, we address common misconceptions about solo aging, especially around living arrangements like continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, and memory care.

Tune in to gain practical tips for embracing longevity with intention and planning, and learn why social connection remains a vital component of healthy solo aging.

Books and Websites Mentioned During This Episode:

• The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness

• Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long and Well You Live, Becca Levy

• Six Steps to Managing Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: A Guide for Families, Maureen O-Connor

• Seven Steps to Managing Your Aging Memory, Maureen O-Connor

Websites:

• Medicare Plan Options
• Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade
• Where You Live Matters
• National Good Neighbor Day
• National Healthcare Decisions Day

----------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with Cathleen Toomey:

• Website: seniorityauthority.org
• Email: [e-mail]
• Facebook: SeniorityAuthority
• LinkedIn: cathleen-toomey-8889531
• Podcast: seniorityauthority.org

Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA:

• Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: [e-mail]
• The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: [e-mail]
• The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: [e-mail]

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.