The Loneliest Part of Aging Solo is Loss and Disconnection

Terri, age 72, knows what it feels like to be surrounded by silence. An only child who lost both parents, she lives with several chronic illnesses and no trusted family to call on.

“I started worrying—what would happen if I needed help?” she said.
“There was no one I could count on. I felt invisible.”

But after joining the Aging Solo Peer Group, something shifted.

Terri found women just like her—kind, wise, and walking the same uncertain path. The conversations gave her hope, tools, and confidence. Now, she’s active in her church again and even joined a chronic disease support group to better manage her heart condition.

She still lives alone—but she doesn’t feel alone.

Then there’s Monica. A recent widow, she found herself suddenly untethered after 19 years of marriage.

“I felt like I had lost my anchor,” she said.
“I didn’t even know where to begin.”

In the peer group, Monica found more than companionship—she found purpose. Inspired by others, she took brave steps: joining a widow’s support circle and finally addressing her legal affairs. She interviewed elder law attorneys and began putting her documents in place.

You don’t need to go it alone either.
You deserve a place to be heard, to be seen, and to feel supported by women who understand what you're going through.

"I jumped at the opportunity to partake in Carol Marak's 'Aging Solo Peer Group.' I love her material and participate on the Elder Orphans Facebook group she started. I have lived alone all my life and do not live near siblings or other family. I have always been independent and taken care of myself but I am also realistic enough to know that this will not always be the case. In recent years I have seen several friends end up in really complicated situations without having selected someone to act as power of attorney or health care proxy or without a will or trust, even when they have been sick for months. I don't want my friends to have to watch this when it is so easily prevented. I was raised by a single mom who taught me the importance of being prepared for anything. In this group we have reviewed several topics and Carol has introduced experts on a variety of issues -- finances, housing, legal and social issues. I have appreciated the depth and access to individuals and sources that Carol brought to meetings that have helped me avoid some pitfalls and plan for aging. I am feeling much more secure about my future, despite somewhat limited means. I also met other women who provided keen insights and creative ideas of thinking about how to proceed in this next phase of life. I expect to live for many more years, but I know that it is entirely likely that there may be times when I may be unable to speak for myself if I am ill, and even if I recover, I am also 100% sure that I will die and I don't want anyone to have to make decisions that I should make for myself."  Kris J. Higher Education Administrator 

We begin August 27.

✨ Want to feel seen and supported again? The Aging Solo Peer Group opens August 27 at 12pm CDT | 10am PDT | 1pm EDT.

Click to learn more

Thank you for your interest,

Carol Marak, Longevity Strategist and Facilitator