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July 10th, 2026

NAVIGATING LIFE’S TRANSITIONS: A Story of Loss, Community, and Finding Purpose in Senior Living

In this inspiring conversation, Steve Gurney sits down with Jim Oakes to discuss his remarkable journey through one of life’s most challenging chapters. Jim shares his experience managing his wife’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, making difficult care decisions, grieving the loss of a spouse, and discovering unexpected joy and community in senior living.

From a 35+ year career in healthcare Technology to part-time teaching at George Mason University, Jim has always been a problem-solver. But when faced with loss, he learned that some of life’s most important solutions come from community, connection, and a willingness to adapt.

**In this episode, you’ll hear about:**

✓ Navigating the emotional weight of a spouse’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis
âś“ Making difficult decisions about memory care for a loved one
âś“ Managing Grief and guilt during major life transitions
âś“ The unexpected benefits of independent living communities
âś“ Building genuine community and friendship later in life
âś“ Staying purposeful and engaged through teaching and service
âś“ The power of storytelling to deepen connections
âś“ Practical insights on senior living options (independent living, assisted living, memory care)
âś“ Why location matters: Arbor Terrace and community amenities
âś“ Creating an active, intentional life at any age

**Key Takeaway:** "By keeping an attitude of looking towards tomorrow and looking for the good things that can happen, this season of our life can still be a pretty exciting time."

**TIMESTAMPS:**
00:02 – Introduction
00:35 – Jim’s background and career journey
05:15 – His wife Peggy and Alzheimer’s diagnosis
08:00 – The decision to move to independent living
12:00 – Understanding senior living options
15:57 – Life at Arbor Terrace and community activities
18:31 – Dining, amenities, and practical considerations
22:36 – Teaching at George Mason and staying engaged
24:09 – Wisdom for others facing life transitions

**RESOURCES:**

📚 Positive Aging Sourcebook – Senior Living Community Directory
https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com

đź”— Learn more about independent living options in the DMV:
https://www.proaging.com

*This interview was recorded July 3, 2026 as part of the Positive Aging Community’s ongoing effort to share real stories of aging, resilience, and community. Jim Oakes is an independent living resident at Arbor Terrace in Herndon, Virginia, part-time faculty at George Mason University, and a volunteer with Five Talents, a nonprofit focused on microenterprise development. The views and experiences shared are his own and offered to help others navigating similar life transitions.*

**HASHTAGS:**
#SeniorLiving #Aging #Caregiving #IndependentLiving #MentalHealth #Grief #Community #Alzheimers #PositiveAging #AgingWell #LifeTransitions #ProAgingNetwork

Steve Gurney Positive Aging Community

Steve Gurney founded Retirement Living SourceBook in 1990. Drawing from the experience of observing his family caring for Steve’s aging grandfather, he created a comprehensive publication to help others in the same situation. Over the next few years Steve expanded the publication to three regional editions, DC metro, State of Maryland, and the Philadelphia region. Steve has worked closely with nearly every regional and national organization on aging to help maximize their exposure and helping find solutions to their challenges.

In 1998, Mr. Gurney sold his company to The Washington Post where he served as General Manager of Sourcebook and the Senior Living Solutions Division. In 2019, Mr. Gurney acquired the resource back, and has re-branded as Positive Aging Community adding a new design and content, distribution partners, podcasts, and a robust schedule of live and interactive discussions with thought-leaders on a wide variety of topics.

In addition, Mr. Gurney founded ProAging Network meetings and leads the DC Senior Resource Group important resources for senior-serving professionals.

Mr. Gurney serves or has served on the board of directors for the Grass Roots Organization for the Well-Being of Seniors (GROWS), Alzheimer’s Association, Interages, Business and Aging Task Force, Virginia Intergenerational Task Force, and the Beacon Institute. Steve has served on countless committees and provided guidance to help organizations and businesses better serve the senior population. Mr. Gurney has received awards and recognition from the Seabury Resources for Aging, Maryland Assisted Living Association, the Senior Marketing Institute and other notable organizations. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.

Steve Gurney received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Old Dominion University and a Masters Degree from the Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC).

Mr. Gurney served as an adjunct professor at Erickson School of Aging Studies at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), instructing in the undergraduate and graduate programs.

Steve is a competitive endurance athlete and certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), a certified level 2 Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor with the American Canoe Association (ACA). In the winter he instructs with Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports at Liberty Mountain Resort, and for over eight years he led operations and a team of instructors at Surf Reston Stand Up Paddleboarding, which he turned over to Reston Association.