Episode 14:1 Steve Gurney on the Evolution of Positive Aging Community

The Positive Aging Community is leading the conversation on aging well with professionals, older adults, and family members. Steve shares key trends and lessons learned from more than 300 interactive discussions on resources for senior living, aging in place, and thriving in the next chapter.

About Steve

Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family care for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and find solutions to their challenges.

In 1998, Steve sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, he re-acquired Sourcebook and re-branded as Positive Aging Community with a robust schedule of live and interactive programs.

Steve has a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), where he also served as an adjunct professor.

Key Takeaways

• Members in the Positive Aging Community are equal parts personal and professional—half older adults and families and half senior living and aging services.
• Positive Aging Community’s number one topic is solo aging. Most of us are solo agers in training—couples are unlikely to pass at the same time, and parents don’t’ want to burden their children.

• Assisted living and a trend towards aging in place with grassroots initiatives like The Village Movement have changed the landscape of support for older adults.
• Covid created an awareness about the unhealthy effects of loneliness and isolation. Social connections are an important determinant when considering aging in place.