I am an advocate for older adults facing uncertain work and financial insecurity and the founder of NUUage Coliving, an affordable shared housing venture for +55 olders aging alone on moderate incomes. Inspiration for NUUage grew out of my own experience with long-term unemployment and economic hardship, which I wrote about in my book "55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal" (Simon and Schuster). My book describes my journey as a 62-year-old Black woman who has lived the stories she writes about and as a Harvard MBA, former retail entrepreneur, and C-suite executive who never envisioned herself landing here. A regular contributor to blogs and a featured speaker at conferences and workshops, including a widely acclaimed TED talk with over 2 million views, I have connected with thousands of older Americans who, nearing the age of traditional retirement, have encountered their own financial challenges and found my experience deeply relatable. Fifteen months ago, at age 68, I joined the Ideas42 Venture Studio. Thanks to the Studio’s backing, commitment, and resources, I have been able to work on one of the big challenges facing older adults navigating financial uncertainty – the need for secure, affordable housing. My venture, NUUage Coliving, will offer compact, beautifully designed spaces with shared amenities and coordinated services delivered affordably. It is premised on the belief that sharing resources and aging in a community that strikes the right balance between privacy and social interaction can help those of us without traditional family support systems reduce our housing costs, maintain our independence, and preserve our physical well-being and cognitive health. Over the last year, I have been working with a phenomenal team of architects, real estate professionals, software engineers, and co-living experts. In the coming months, we are looking to secure a development partner, raise our next round of capital, identify suitable NUUage locations, refine our operational model, advance the NUUage architectural designs, and conduct further market research.