Episode 17: How to Navigate Solo Aging with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber

Real Retirement

In this episode of The Real Retirement Show, hosts Yasmin and Kathleen talk with Dr. Sara Zeff Geber, a leading expert on solo aging. Sara shares her journey highlighting the unique challenges faced by solo agers - individuals aging without family support. The discussion explores critical aspects such as choosing living arrangements, including the pros and cons of aging in place versus senior living communities. Sara emphasizes the importance of planning for financial, legal, and social needs, and introduces the concept of home sharing as a viable option for social interaction and care. She also stresses the need for professionals, such as financial advisors and legal experts, to assist solo agers in creating robust support systems. Sara concludes with inspiring stories of solo agers who have proactively planned their futures and offers resources for further learning.

00:00 Introduction: The Biggest Hurdle for Solo Agers

01:22 Welcome to The Real Retirement Show

02:05 Meet Sara Zeff Geber: Expert on Solo Aging

03:10 Sara's Personal Journey into Solo Aging

05:29 Defining Solo Aging

09:06 Challenges and Misconceptions of Solo Aging

15:00 Planning for the Future: Financial, Legal, and Social Aspects

18:41 Community and Support Systems for Solo Agers

27:51 Inspiration and Success Stories

32:03 Final Thoughts and Resources

About Sara Zeff Geber, PhD

Sara is the nation’s foremost expert on Solo Aging. She is an author, professional speaker, and certified retirement coach.

In 2018, Sara was named an “Influencer in Aging” by PBS’ Next Avenue and is a regular contributor to Forbes.com in the areas of aging and retirement.

She has also been featured and quoted in The Journal of Active Aging, Certified Senior Advisor Journal, Next Avenue, Senior Living Foresight, McKnights Living, Senior Housing Business, and many others.

Sara’s book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Child-free Adults, was published in 2018, and was selected that year as a ‘best book on aging well’ by the WSJ.

Resources

Website: https://sarazeffgeber.com/

Books: https://sarazeffgeber.com/books/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarazeffgeber/

Real Retirement Video Podcast: Real Retirement - YouTube

Chapters

1. Introduction: The Biggest Hurdle for Solo Agers (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to The Real Retirement Show (00:01:22)

3. Meet Sara Zeff Geber: Expert on Solo Aging (00:02:05)

4. Sara's Personal Journey into Solo Aging (00:03:10)

5. Defining Solo Aging (00:05:29)

6. Challenges and Misconceptions of Solo Aging (00:09:06)

7. Planning for the Future: Financial, Legal, and Social Aspects (00:15:00)

8. Community and Support Systems for Solo Agers (00:18:41)

9. Inspiration and Success Stories (00:27:51)

10. Final Thoughts and Resources (00:32:03)