Ep 119: For many retirees, the question of who will serve as a power of attorney or executor is often answered by naming their children, but there is a growing population of "solo agers" who don’t have that traditional safety net. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Sara Zeff Geber and Dr. Jay Zigmont to explore how those without children can navigate the complexities of aging, from managing healthcare decisions to protecting their financial legacy. We dive into the creation of the Child-Free Trust, a first-of-its-kind national service that provides professional fiduciary support to ensure you have a dedicated advocate in your corner, regardless of your family structure. Whether you are child-free by choice or circumstance, this conversation offers essential insights into building a secure, independent future and finding a support network that truly has your back.

Chapters:

04:11 – Defining Solo Aging: Dr. Geber defines solo agers as those 60+ who lack children or family they can depend on for support as they age.

05:03 – The Service Gap: Dr. Zigmont discusses the "existential crisis" of finding decision-makers for the 15 million child-free people over age 55 who lack a clear next of kin.

08:40 – Legal Protections: The guests highlight the importance of having legal paperwork in place to avoid falling into court-appointed guardianships or conservatorships.

13:27 – The Risk of Naming Friends: Dr. Zigmont and Dr. Geber discuss why relying on friends—who may be the same age or on vacation—can lead to significant burdens and complications.

17:32 – Child-Free Trust Logistics: A breakdown of the subscription model, which includes document creation, a $999 annual membership, and 24/7 emergency response for medical crises.

20:19 – Intentional Planning: Why solo agers should prioritize senior living communities to maintain social networks and ensure they have access to care as they stop driving or face frailty.

24:00 – Combating Elder Fraud: A look at how professional fiduciaries and trusted account contacts can help protect solo agers from sophisticated scams and abuse.

31:24 – Legacy and Purpose: An exploration of how to leave a meaningful "legacy without lineage" through mentorship, leadership, and leaving the world a better place.

37:12 – Challenges in Rural Maine: Dr. Zigmont explains why retirees in remote areas like Maine must stress-test their plans against limited local caregiving resources.

43:56 – Redefining Retirement Success: The guests share their personal definitions of success, focusing on a "next chapter" filled with meaning rather than a total cessation of work.