A Fundamental Roadmap
to Evaluate, Measure, and Facilitate a Better Future.
Copyright 2021
What readers are saying about Solo and Smart
"Solo and Smart is a guidebook for how to age solo and smart-er! This book explains from an experienced perspective, with excellent checklists for doing a personal life review, repair, and reframe for your future self as you grow older. As a certified senior advisor, retirement life coach and pet chaplain I review a lot of books on how to do retirement, longevity, and pet parent well. I am very selective on the keepers, and this one is. Why? Because it is simple and straightforward—it’s a workbook…you can pencil in. It is also whole person centered and for living better at every stage of life. There is no school for retirement or aging but there is the school of hard knocks. If you are looking to do solo living one day, and you will, you will want this book to help you prepare and be ready for living smarter, not harder. It is an ageless blend of old school wisdom and new school smarts. Get it for yourself or to help guide loved ones you care for who live in or struggle with longevity." Bob Coulson, Certified Retirement Coach.
"I knew I was alone but I didn't know I needed a Roadmap until I read this book! In my middle 70's and in good health I had become content with just staying in place. I won't always be able to do this is the truth to my denial. It's scary to plan where to move next and get a will going plus I need to make end of life arrangements for myself. Carol's book has the reader take a look at the huge issues that loom ahead of us. When I'm older or frail in health making decisions may be impossible. I needed a roadmap! Now I know what I am going to do. I am able to write down different scenarios and cover each step of the way. In the end I will be in the place I need to for assistance I may need. I've read several books on aging, this book is by far the best! It offers something for everyone." Verified reader on Amazon.
"Though Carol Marak came to write this because of her experience as a single woman with her aging parents, she has produced a useful guide for all adults, regardless of their age and marital status. That makes this a 'must have' book and not just for seniors! It is a treasure trove of valuable guidance. I'll be passing this book along to some young people who are graduating from college this spring and a young couple who are having their first baby later this year. I'll also be recommending it to others in my family and social circle." Verified reader on Amazon.
"Marak's chapter on Smart Assessment is the best tool I’ve seen when we need to take stock of where we are in our life planning. She covers Health and Fitness, Housing, Support Community, Friends and Connections, Finances and many more fields as she works with you to discover areas that may need some attention in your life. What are you most willing to put effort in, she asks. Her recommendations and resources guide you to to make smart choices as you move through your life. Marak speaks from her heart. She’s been there. And she wants to help support you in your life journey, especially as you age, when the right questions are more important than ever." Verified reader on Amazon.
"I knew I was alone but I didn't know I needed a Roadmap until I read this book! In my middle 70's and in good health I had become content with just staying in place. I won't always be able to do this is the truth to my denial. It's scary to plan where to move next and get a will going plus I need to make end of life arrangements for myself. Carol's book has the reader take a look at the huge issues that loom ahead of us. When I'm older or frail in health making decisions may be impossible. I needed a roadmap! Now I know what I am going to do. I am able to write down different scenarios and cover each step of the way. In the end I will be in the place I need to for assistance I may need. I've read several books on aging, this book is by far the best! It offers something for everyone." Verified reader on Amazon.
"Though Carol Marak came to write this because of her experience as a single woman with her aging parents, she has produced a useful guide for all adults, regardless of their age and marital status. That makes this a 'must have' book and not just for seniors! It is a treasure trove of valuable guidance. I'll be passing this book along to some young people who are graduating from college this spring and a young couple who are having their first baby later this year. I'll also be recommending it to others in my family and social circle." Verified reader on Amazon.
"Marak's chapter on Smart Assessment is the best tool I’ve seen when we need to take stock of where we are in our life planning. She covers Health and Fitness, Housing, Support Community, Friends and Connections, Finances and many more fields as she works with you to discover areas that may need some attention in your life. What are you most willing to put effort in, she asks. Her recommendations and resources guide you to to make smart choices as you move through your life. Marak speaks from her heart. She’s been there. And she wants to help support you in your life journey, especially as you age, when the right questions are more important than ever." Verified reader on Amazon.
SOLO AND SMART DIRECTS READERS TO ASSESS
Where am I now?Planning for the years ahead is difficult because people don't know how their needs might change. The roadmap teaches individuals to assess, evaluate and rate their current level of satisfaction for each domain. After completion, the user has a better understanding of how the aspects either positively or negatively influence their future.
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Where do I want to be?Knowing the aspects that have the greatest negative impact on one's well-being, offers the user a sense of relief. When aware, the individual has the chance to rectify—to correct—to right the ship. This gives the person an opportunity to learn the options and find solutions to modify the imbalance. And finally, to take the appropriate measures for improvement.
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How will I get there?By consciously deploying a well thought-out and calculated strategy using specific steps, worksheets, checklists, and timelines, the user is ready to move forward with a plan. Readers discover what's possible and more importantly, ways to accomplish the goals, turning dreams into reality and flipping uncertainty into self-assurance.
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SOLO AND SMART directs readers to consider the top 10 concerns of older adults. These are the same critical issues that confronted my parents: Health, housing, family and friends, support community, life purpose, faith and spirituality, finances, legal matters, engagement, and transportation. Each has potential to cause havoc. If a person faces an emergency or requires help at home, are they prepared? Or will they scramble? The best time to chart an unwavering lifestyle for what lies ahead is when we're on even footing.
SOLO AND SMART, Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future offers tools, timelines, and strategies to help readers discover their Sweet Spots—ones that facilitate relief, comfort, and options.
Offer clients, solo or married, an essential and personalized roadmap that will help them determine how to improve their lives while growing older. Using the Guided Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future, clients will gain clarity concerning:
If they are able to stay at home or need to move,
If their health is good and if not, options to improve it,
If where they live, the location, has available services to meet daily needs,
If they are isolated and lonely—how to increase social engagement,
If they have nearby help and support,
If their local community has proper resources,
If they're money will outlast them,
If they are organized and their legal matters are well documented,
If they have a strong spiritual connection, and
If they have purpose.
And most importantly, what they can do about one or all of these to live a confident and satisfying life in the years ahead!
The Roadmap can be delivered to your clients via online or in person. Let me guide them through an evaluation process that sets their life on a trajectory for a favorable future.