SPEAKING

Insightful, practical talks on healthcare, advocacy, and solo aging

Ailene Gerhardt is a board-certified patient advocate, solo aging expert, and founder of the Navigating Solo Network. She brings clarity, warmth, and real-world insight to conversations at the intersection of healthcare, aging, and support beyond traditional caregiving models.

Her presentations translate complex systems into accessible, actionable insights, equipping audiences to better serve individuals navigating healthcare and aging without built-in family support.

Audiences & Organizations:

Ailene speaks to audiences working across healthcare, aging, ethics, and advocacy, including:

  • Healthcare systems and aging service organizations

  • Professional associations and advocacy groups

  • Nonprofits and community-based organizations

  • Conferences and symposiums

  • Continuing education and professional training programs

  • Organizations supporting individuals without traditional family caregivers

If your audience engages with older adults, caregivers, solo agers, or healthcare decision-making, these talks are designed for them.

Formats and Customization:

Talks can be tailored to meet the needs of your audience and delivered as:

  • Keynote presentations

  • Panel discussions

  • Interactive workshops

  • Breakout sessions

  • Professional trainings

Each engagement is thoughtfully customized to align with your organization’s goals, audience needs, and time frame.

Why Organizations Invite Ailene:

  • Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA)

  • Certified Senior Advisor® (CSA)

  • Founder of the Navigating Solo Network

  • Creator of SAVvy Day: Solo Aging Visibility Day

  • National speaker, writer, and educator

  • 2023 Independent Advocate of the Year

Ailene is known for translating complexity into clarity. Her talks balance professional rigor with compassion, leaving audiences informed, reflective, and better equipped to support the individuals and communities they serve.

Signature Keynotes:

Navigating Solo Aging: Supporting Adults Without Traditional Family Caregivers

Millions of adults are aging without the support of adult children or close family. This keynote gives professionals practical strategies to recognize, engage, and support Solo Agers in healthcare, community programs, and services. Attendees leave with actionable tools to help Solo Agers live empowered, connected, and secure lives.

Healthcare Advocacy in Action: Empowering Patients and Families Through Complexity

Healthcare can be overwhelming for patients and families alike. This session shows how effective advocacy improves outcomes, reduces stress, and enhances patient-centered care. Attendees gain practical approaches to support patients through complex healthcare decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Building a System of Support for Solo Agers: Ethics, Innovation, and Community

How can organizations ensure adults aging alone have access to meaningful support and choice? This keynote explores innovative strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ethical approaches to building systems that fill the gaps for Solo Agers. Attendees leave inspired with practical ideas for creating sustainable, scalable support networks.

Signature Topics:

While each presentation is customized, core themes include:

  • Understanding and Supporting Solo Agers

  • Healthcare Navigation Without Traditional Family Caregivers

  • Ethical Considerations in Aging and Advocacy

  • Advance Care Planning for Solo Adults

  • Building Systems of Support for Individuals Aging Alone

  • The Role of Professional Advocates in Complex Healthcare

Additional topics and tailored sessions are available upon request.

Invite Ailene to Speak

To inquire about availability, topics, or fees, please visit the Contact page and select “Speaking Engagement.”