Welcome to the Journey of "Solo Agers: Book I - Kakistocracy"

There comes a moment when life nudges you in a direction you never anticipated, a subtle yet profound shift that alters your trajectory. For me, that moment unfolded during a road trip to San Francisco with my father. It was more than just a drive up the California coast; it was a poignant chapter in our story—a celebration of life amid the early stages of his diagnosis.

As we navigated the winding roads, laughter and shared memories filled the spaces between us. But when I dropped him off at home, a stark reality settled in. I watched him hobble towards his front door, each step a delicate balance between the man he was and the fragility creeping in. The father I knew—strong, invincible in my eyes—was slipping away, and with each unsteady stride, a piece of him faded.

That image lingered with me. Here was a man who had spent over 40 years as an entrepreneur, providing jobs, contributing to the community, doing everything "right" to avoid institutionalization. Yet, despite his life's work, the possibility loomed that circumstances beyond his control might lead him to a place he never wanted to be. Not because of any failure on his part, but because illness doesn't discriminate, and our systems aren't always equipped to honor the dignity of those who age.

It struck me deeply—not just as his son, but as someone facing a similar path. I am unmarried, without children, and the realization dawned that if the roles were reversed, I might navigate my later years without the support system he had. This wasn't just about my father or me; it was about the millions of people in America aging into "solo ager" status. Who will stand with them? Who will ensure they're not invisible?

This profound concern sparked the inception of "Solo Agers: Kakistocracy."

In crafting this narrative, I wanted a lens through which readers could fully immerse themselves in this dystopian reality. Enter Stephanie—a resilient, complex protagonist who embodies the struggles and hopes of solo agers. She's not just a character; she's a conduit, a narrative mechanism that ushers you into a world uncomfortably close to our own.

Through Stephanie's eyes, you experience the unsettling terrain of a society that marginalizes its elders, especially those without traditional support networks. Her journey reflects the pressing social issues we often overlook—ageism, inadequate healthcare, and the erosion of empathy in our communities.

Writing this novella has been as much an inward journey as it has been a creative endeavor. Balancing the demands of caring for my elderly father, managing work, and carving out time to write was a challenge. But beyond the logistics, it forced me to confront facets of myself I hadn't fully acknowledged.

There were moments of frustration—feeling unseen in the sacrifices made, yearning for acknowledgment that seldom comes in caregiving. I grappled with my own emotional literacy, realizing that my inability to articulate feelings led to internal conflicts and tension. It wasn't just about managing time; it was about managing self.

Peeling back these layers wasn't easy. It required me to expand my emotional range, to hold space for multiple, often conflicting emotions simultaneously. Understanding intentions versus impact, recognizing the spectrum of blame, and navigating the complexities of human interaction—all of this enriched not only my personal growth but also the depth of my characters.

Researching for the novel was an eye-opener. The retirement crisis isn't a distant, abstract concept; it's a looming reality that will affect us all. The staggering economic challenges, such as unfunded healthcare obligations and the pressures of an aging population on our systems, are not just numbers—they represent lives, stories, and futures.

Recent political climates have also highlighted unsettling trends. Attacks on single women with no children, for instance, may seem targeted, but they underscore a broader societal undervaluing of individuals who don't fit traditional molds. As a middle-aged man without children, I felt the adjacent impact of these narratives, recognizing how easily policies and rhetoric can marginalize.

"Solo Agers: Kakistocracy" isn't just a speculative tale; it's a cautionary exploration of what could be if we continue down certain paths unchecked. My hope is that the story serves as both a mirror and a catalyst—a reflection of current societal issues and a prompt for meaningful conversations.

I want readers to pause and consider the solo agers in their own lives—the relatives, friends, and neighbors who might one day face these challenges alone. To move beyond a lack of awareness or empathy and toward active engagement and support.

This blog is the beginning of a dialogue. I aim to broaden the conversation around the social issues intertwined with aging, to shed light on the realities many might not even realize exist. Whether you're a solo ager yourself, a caregiver, a professional in healthcare, or simply someone interested in social justice, there's a place for you here.

Let's delve into the "what if" scenarios, not as a means to instill fear, but to inspire action and empathy. Let's use Stephanie's journey as a guide to navigate our own understanding and to advocate for a society that honors and supports its aging population.

I encourage you to join the discussion. Share your thoughts, your experiences, and your questions. Together, we can raise awareness and perhaps influence the narratives and policies that shape our futures.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through the personal experiences and insights that shaped "Solo Agers: Kakistocracy." As we delve into the themes of resilience, autonomy, and the societal impact of aging, I invite you to share your own stories and reflections. How have you seen these themes play out in your own life or in the lives of those around you? What changes would you like to see in how our society addresses aging and social justice?

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Thank you for taking the time to read this first entry. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you—exploring the layers, confronting the challenges, and hopefully, making a difference along the way.

Warm regards,

Myron Ward