Independent but Unprepared? A Conversation Every Solo Ager Should Have
If you are a woman living independently — without a spouse or nearby family — there is an important question worth asking:...
Most systems still assume someone will step in — a spouse, an adult child, a close relative.
But millions of independent adults don’t have that kind of built-in support.
In this episode, I...
The Solo & Smart Longevity Workshop has been recognized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as a Program of Excellence. Read more about the 2025 Programs of Excellence Award...
Be prepared. Get a copy of my Solo Aging Readiness Checklist, https://carolmarak.com/the-solo-aging-readiness-checklist
Today’s topic is one most people avoid thinking about, even though it...
On this channel, I focus on one simple goal:
Helping independent adults stay in control of their lives—before crisis forces decisions. Get a copy of my Solo Aging Readiness Checklist here...
The Invisible Majority
There’s a large group of adults no one is really paying attention to—and they’re the most at risk. The Solo Aging Readiness Checklist helps you plan ahead:...
*What if technology could offer comfort, conversation, and care - especially for those aging solo? I recently had a wonderful conversation with Monika Dubasi, Co-Founder at Careflick, about how AI...
I’m Carol Marak, and as many of you know, I’ve spent the past decade exploring what it really means to age solo — to create a fulfilling, connected life on your own terms....
When crafting a retirement plan, be sure to include Life Purpose and Legacy. Having purpose will get you up and going each morning! My Life Plan Assessment will evaluate how satisfied you are with...
*Hi everybody it’s Carol Marak Thank you for visiting Solo and Smart, my YouTube channel. Offering the latest news and updates on solo aging.
In yesterday’s Solo and Smart video, Healthy Aging,...
Planning for longevity is unsettling because growing older is stacked with complexities and risks. Older age places us in unfamiliar territory and it’s the reason we need a navigation system to...
*In designing the membership site, each member would learn their top aging risk by completing the Life Plan Assessment: https://carolmarak.com/life-plan-assessment.
After discovering your top...
I don’t know if this is of interest, but I had the idea to start a membership site around what I already know, do, and love.
The idea emerged from recognizing a common desire for deeper engagement...
The phenomenon of solo aging versus aging within traditional family structures presents a variety of contrasting experiences
Social and Support System:
Solo Aging: Individuals may lack a built-in...
Solos need a nearby support network because for individuals like me, we lack the immediate family support that is typically available in traditional family structures.
Without a spouse or nearby...
Family caregivers play a vital role in providing care and support to their loved ones.
However, the responsibilities of giving care often leads to financial challenges and debt accumulation, making...
Unique Challenges: Health and Caregiving
Solo aging, a journey undertaken by individuals without the traditional support network of close family, presents unique challenges, particularly in the...
Joy Loverde, author, The Complete Eldercare Planner (revision 4) and Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old, discusses longevity and its effects of growing older.
Joy brings unique thoughts and...
Navigating Financial Concerns—third unique challenge of aging alone
The aging alone demographic, often referred to as 'solo agers', faces unique challenges that necessitate a tailored approach to...
Solo and Smart 
