Thriving Solo: Navigating Life's Unexpected Journeys with Dr. Peggy Crawford

In this 40-minute episode of The Navigating Solo™ Podcast, host Ailene Gerhardt speaks with Dr. Peggy Crawford, who shares her deeply personal journey into solo aging, which began not by choice but by circumstance. The transition started with her husband Denny’s illness, a period that altered their shared life and routines in profound ways. The loss of Denny, both as a partner and a source of emotional support, was pivotal, leading Peggy to embrace solo aging while navigating the grief and isolation that followed. Through this transition, she reflects on the importance of staying connected with others and seeking out new connections. Peggy also discusses the challenges of decision-making as a solo ager, from health care proxies to everyday life choices, which had previously been shared with her husband. The conversation highlights how Peggy's professional background as a health psychologist helped her cope, as did support from new friendships and mindfulness practices, such as meditation and gratitude. Peggy explores the importance of taking risks to create new support systems. Peggy shares how she formed a kinship group for solo agers, which has flourished beyond expectations. Listeners will be moved by the resilience, growth, and wisdom shared in this conversation, and gain valuable insights into navigating solo aging, grief, and the importance of self-care and community.   ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Connect with Dr. Peggy Crawford by emailing our podcast: [email protected] Connect with Host Ailene Gerhardt, BCPA, CSA: Beacon Patient Solutions LLC: BeaconPatientSolutions.com, Email: [email protected] The Navigating Solo Network™: NavigatingSolo.com Email: [email protected] The Navigating Solo™ Podcast: [email protected] © 2024, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC. All Rights Reserved.