I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message.
In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, I’m joined by Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Community, for a practical conversation about what it means to age solo and why none of us are truly alone in this journey.
More and more people are navigating aging without a spouse, children, or close family nearby. But solo aging isn’t just about who’s in your life; it’s about how you prepare, connect, and create a circle of support that reflects your values. Steve introduces the concept of a “personal village,” and we talk about how building this kind of intentional community can bring care, meaning, purpose, and peace of mind.
Together, we explore:
- Why the idea of “solo aging” affects more of us than we think
- How to take small but powerful steps to build your support system
- What to consider when choosing a healthcare or financial proxy
- The role of aging life care managers and how they can help
- How life planning can deepen, not dampen, how we live now
This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered, “Who will be there for me?” and those ready to answer that question with care, clarity, and courage. Whether you’re aging alone, caregiving for a parent, or simply rethinking your own future, I hope this conversation offers you encouragement and tools to move forward with confidence.
Links/Resources
- Guest: Steve Gurney – https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com
- Host: Traci Arieli's Website – https://www.comfortingclosure.com
- Aging Life Care Association – https://www.aginglifecare.org
- Co-housing Communities – https://www.cohousing.org
If this episode speaks to you, please like, share, and subscribe. Your support helps more people find these important conversations.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.