Listen Now
Listen On
Episode Notes
What does it really mean to age well — especially when you’re doing it alone?
In this episode of The Buried in Work Podcast, host Adam Zuckerman sits down with Steve Gurney, founder of the Positive Aging Community, who has spent over 30 years helping families navigate the often overwhelming world of aging, solo living, downsizing, and end-of-life decisions.
Through deeply personal stories and eye-opening insights, Steve reveals how embracing positive aging — rather than avoiding it — can help you live more meaningfully, prepare more confidently, and create a lasting impact for those you love.
Whether you’re navigating these transitions yourself or supporting a loved one, this conversation is packed with real talk, compassion, and the clarity we all need more of.
Key Takeaways
- The rising reality of solo aging — and how to prepare if no one’s “coming to help”
- What to do with “all your stuff” — and how Swedish Death Cleaning can bring peace and purpose
- Why most people avoid end-of-life planning — and how to start the conversation anyway
- The surprising power of community in the aging journey
- What Steve’s learned after 30+ years helping people face aging with dignity
If you or someone you love is putting off these decisions… this episode might just change your perspective forever.
Show Links
- LinkedIn// https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurns
- Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/guidetoretirementliving
- Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/proaging
- YouTube// https://www.youtube.com/@ProAgingNetwork
About Steve Gurney
Steve Gurney founded Positive Aging 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 for the Senior Living Division and dramatically grew the business under the new ownership. In 2019, he acquired the division back from The Washington Post and initiated an extensive rebranding and commitment to innovation.
In addition, for over 25 years Mr. Gurney has built a community of senior-serving professionals designed to help make connections, share resources, and improve support and services to seniors and their loved ones. He has produced hundreds of live events that have attracted thousands of providers. In 2020, these meetings transitioned to live and interactive online digital discussions offering up-to-date content on a weekly basis and featuring internationally renowned thought leaders in the field of aging.
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. Mr. Gurney has served on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins University Odyssey Program and served as an instructor at several universities and corporate training programs. Steve is a regular speaker at local, regional and national events and has been featured in regional and national publications, electronic and broadcast media.
- Excellence in Memory Care Award - Insight Memory Care Center
- Chairman's Award - Maryland Assisted Living Association
- Judge - NAHB Best of 55+ Housing Awards
- Judge - Points of Light Award - White House Conference on Aging
- Business & Aging Award - DC Metro Business & Aging Network
- Leadership in Aging Award - Seabury Resources for Aging
- Lord Fairfax Designation - Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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 has 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 certified level 2 Adaptive Snowboard Instructor with the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) and 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 in the summer he leads a team of paddleboard instructors with Reston Association.
