Live & Interactive Panel Discussion on Solo Aging

Studies show that 22 percent of Americans age 65+ are at risk for becoming “solo agers” or "elder orphans". Join us as we discuss challenges and brainstorm solutions on this important and popular discussion topic! Featuring: Carol Marak, Author Solo and Smart 

Questions Asked

• Thank you for that road map explanation. Can you talk some more about financial planning and reorganization. Facing the hard questions, as caregivers often taking care of both parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors church members and others giving so much love and care, many times your finances and retirement and care plans have to be totally reorganized. Could you talk about this some more, thank you...
• When it comes to long term care planning, what is the single most important thing for solo agers compared to couples?
• Husband ....Sick ten years long illness. A long healing journey for you and your life... Hard conversation no one seems to be willing to talk about the real truths we all must face...Thank you for sharing
• Caryn so do you offer any care or advocate services now for solo agers and others?
• I'd welcome a few examples of what Caryn refers to as a "hard questions"?
• just want to suggest folks should also plan for their animals. I have a service dog and want to be sure he is taken care of when I gone and doesn't end up in a shelter. I have it all written down so that it is clear what my wishes are for my animal when I am gone. I have no spouse or children. I have asked good friends to be involved with this process. thank you for a terrific topic
• Is the Facebook Solo Aging Group open for more members? How does one learn how to attend?
• What do you suggest for those who are introverts? There are many out there who it is important for them to have supports in their life but it isn't important to them. How would you encourage them?
• If you have had a wonderful group of friends for years, and then they start to die, you lose that support group.  Making new friends when you are over 80, and stuck in the house due to covid, it  is very difficult to make new friends.  What suggestions do  you have for making new friends at this time?
• Has anyone found an organization that talks about the challenges of having autism and being a solo ager. My father was likely on the spectrum (they weren't testing for that in his youth) and it was a WHOLE different conversation having to explain to care givers that he wasn't depressed per se...his behaviors were part of who he was.
• When will your book come out Carol?

Chat Transcript

12:06:46     From  Carol Marak : Hi everyone!! Good to be here with you today. I’m Carol Marak, Solo Aging Expert, Creator, The Guided Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future. Contact me Carol@CarolMarak.com for information and to purchase the roadmap to create you own “aging well” plan.

12:07:30     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Michele Higgs to All Panelists 12:05 PM

Michele

higgs,

Oops! Michele Higgs, Community Outreach Coordinator, Home Sharing Program, Housing Initiative Partnership

12:08:12     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Charlene Neu to All Panelists 11:59 AM

Hello Charlene Neu, Gerontologist Neu Aging Solutions

12:08:29     From  Peggy Floria : Hello Everyone:  This is Peggy Floria.  I'm a Certified Retirement Transitions Coach and solo ager.    Peggy@intentionalcoachingandconsulting.com

12:11:17     From  Valoria Walker   to   Hosts and panelists : Valoria Walker. Located in Maryland.  Founder of Doula by Destiny. End of life doula services for anyone especially those who are near the end of life and aging solo. 

Www.doulabydestiny.com. Valoria@

.com.

12:11:32     From  Caryn Isaacs   to   Hosts and panelists : Thanks for inviting me. Caryn Isaacs, BCPA  GetHealthHelp.com  PatientAdvocate@GetHealthHelp.com 347-965-9222     I find ways for Aging Icons to continue their life mission because when they say that nothing can be done, that just means that they don't know what to do.

12:12:05     From  Karen Midyet   to   Hosts and panelists : Yes. I work with many of these folk in my practice with aging adults

12:12:17     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Karen Midyet to All Panelists 12:12 PM

Yes. I work with many of these folk in my practice with aging adults

12:12:46     From  Valoria Walker   to   Hosts and panelists : Valoria@doulabydestiny.com

12:12:55     From  Danielle DeLong : Hello, Everyone! Danielle DeLong with Age-Friendly Allegany County NY and the Forever Young Intergenerational Respite and Socialization program in Allegany County, NY

12:13:11     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Valoria Walker to All Panelists 12:12 PM

Valoria@doulabydestiny.com

12:14:02     From  Judy Probber   to   Hosts and panelists : How can I copy and paste the chat? I am also not able to save the chat.

12:14:37     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : Hi folks we will have the recording and the full chat transcript available after this discussion

12:14:59     From  Judy Probber   to   Hosts and panelists : thanks!

12:16:01     From  Andrea Leschak : Thank-you Steve and Carol for the program today! I’m a high-performance executive health coach & healthcare advocate, a biohacking consultant, writer, and speaker. 

I’m also a board-certified geriatric pharmacist with 10+ years in the skilled nursing home space. I empower high-achievers to optimize their health and demystify the healthcare system. 

I’d love to connect at andrea@wayfinderadvantage.com

12:16:03     From  Carole Klawansky : Contact information for Caryn Isaacs.

12:17:07     From  Audrey Tillery : Condolences...Caryn are you a non-profit and do have volunteers to help you?

12:18:03     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : Carol Marak (carebuzz@gmail.com)

Caryn Isaacs (carynisaacs@msn.com)

12:18:26     From  Valoria Walker   to   Hosts and panelists : @Caryn glad to hear you had an EOL doula involved during this time. ????

12:23:50     From  Sheila Griffith : Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area Chapter- Washington DC, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, No. Virginia.  contact us:  www.alz.org/nca or our Helpline 800-272-3900.  Locally it's me- Sheila Griffith, sagriffith@alz.org

12:24:05     From  Carol Marak : Hi everyone!! Good to be here with you today. I’m Carol Marak, Solo Aging Expert, Creator, The Guided Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future. Contact me Carol@CarolMarak.com for information and to purchase the roadmap to create you own “aging well” plan.

12:24:30     From  Tricia Cash   to   Hosts and panelists : Hi Everyone!  I too , like Andrea am a Board certified Geriatric pharmacist with many years working on nursing home and assisted living facilities.  I recently became certified in diabetes as a CDCES (past credential CDE).   I am currently blessed to work with 2 primary care provider groups working through a program here in Maryland partnered with social workers in this arena helping community dwelling Medicare recipients  optimize their health.  Much of my work is minimizing drug therapy and identifying potential issues with drug regimen.

12:25:23     From  Tricia Cash   to   Hosts and panelists : My name is Tricia Cash, Pharm D and contact info is Pcash@frederick.health

12:26:44     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Tricia Cash to All Panelists 12:25 PM

Hi Everyone!  I too , like Andrea am a Board certified Geriatric pharmacist with many years working on nursing home and assisted living facilities.  I recently became certified in diabetes as a CDCES (past credential CDE).   I am currently blessed to work with 2 primary care provider groups working through a program here in Maryland partnered with social workers in this arena helping community dwelling Medicare recipients  optimize their health.  Much of my work is minimizing drug therapy and identifying potential issues with drug regimen.

Pcash@frederick.health

12:27:57     From  Lynda Shrager : Hi Everyone! I am Lynda Shrager, OTR, MSW, CAPS , program manager of the senior resource network for Jewish Family Services of  NENY

12:28:55     From  Peggy Floria : You can have family and still be a solo ager.

12:29:22     From  Joe Sperling : No one knows what the future holds.  Things can change in an instant.  Planning and preparing is the best way to avoid panic.

12:30:13     From  Barbara Bernstein   to   Hosts and panelists : If you are caring for a partner with dementia that is essentially solo aging. I have a friend who is definitely doing it alone though still living with her husband.

12:30:32     From  Melissa Bressler : Good afternoon! Melissa Bressler, Outreach Manager at HandyPro of Washington DC Metropolitan and Occupational Therapist. Multi-service construction company specializing in home modifications / Melissa@handypro.com / 301-906-9830

12:30:56     From  Arlene Polangin : One never knows about tomorrow's health.   Dec. 2017 I was in good health and was "out of the blue" diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease.  With excellent care I'm now in remission since March, 2020 and then, of course, Covid began one week later.  Now it's basically 4 years since my "real life" with travel, museums, theater, films.

12:31:20     From  Arlene Polangin : That was from Arlene

12:32:39     From  Jessica Bittner : Hi Everyone,

12:33:36     From  Carol Marak : Hi everyone!! Good to be here with you today. I’m Carol Marak, Solo Aging Expert, Creator, The Guided Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future. Contact me Carol@CarolMarak.com for information and to purchase the roadmap to create you own “aging well” plan.

12:35:50     From  Gregory Cardinal : Good afternoon all, Dr. Gregory Cardinal with Podiatrist in Motion. We provide home visits for foot care for people of all ages! www.podiatristinmotion.com. Great webinar!

12:36:10     From  Brianna Knight : That's good. This is something all helping services should be trained to identify as well.

12:36:43     From  Jessica Bittner : Jessica Bittner with Partners In Care located in Washington County , Frederick County and Montgomery County helping older adults with transportation

12:37:31     From  Sali Ann Kriegsman : Steve, do you have in sour sourcebook vetted money managers in the DC area?  It’s hard to know whom to trust with organizing and managing finances.

12:39:45     From  Joe Sperling : Sharing is caring!

12:40:37     From  Steve Jakubowski : Hi everyone, really good presentation. I'm Steve Jakubowski, a financial advisor with Edward Jones. I am a fiduciary for my clients, which is particularly important for older adults and I can really help protect them against fraud. We also make it easier for people who do find themselves solo aging by helping them manage their finances.

12:40:54     From  Sheila Griffith : All programs and services from the Alzheimer's association are free of charge, alz.org/nca for our local chapter

12:40:55     From  Joe Sperling : It's a leap from being private to being open.

12:41:09     From  Brianna Knight : Yes! That is great advice.

12:41:45     From  Benita Lubic   to   Hosts and panelists : Is program recorded and available? I was late

12:42:00     From  Isobel Rissing   to   Hosts and panelists : Susan with Ararity Services. We offer a variety of services for clients including downsizing and resettling into assisted living. https://www.ararityservices.com

12:42:28     From  Thomas Batcho : I am Tom Batcho Life Force Elder Care.  We provide live-in caregivers.

12:44:15     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Isobel Rissing to All Panelists 12:42 PM

Susan with Ararity Services. We offer a variety of services for clients including downsizing and resettling into assisted living. https://www.ararityservices.com

12:44:54     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : This program is recorded and will be avialbe this afternoon at https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/digital-discussions

12:48:10     From  Valoria Walker : Valoria Walker. Doula by Destiny, end of life doula located in Maryland. Www.doulabydestiny.com. Provide services for those near the end of the life and aging solo.  Please share financial advisor recommendations. Thanks.

12:48:19     From  Andrea Leschak : I'm so glad you mentioned falls. My father had dementia and, based on the disease progression, we anticipated he'd "fade" away over a couple years. He felt one evening, fractured his neck, and within a couple months he was gone.

12:50:17     From  mary busse : It doesn't have to be a rare disease.  Three years ago I was getting ready to go for my usual swim when I began feeling ill.  48 hours late I was in ICU with sepsis.  I came very close to "pushing up daisies".  Every day since has been a gift.  Keeping fit may not put more years in your life, but more life in your years.

12:50:29     From  Joe Sperling : Yes.  Falls can be a killer.

12:51:02     From  Deborah Kovach : This is

12:51:34     From  Joe Sperling : Most of us are saddled with denial. That we can need help.

12:51:37     From  Peggy Floria : Making friends requires making an effort.

12:52:18     From  Peggy Floria : Meet Up Groups, Support Groups, Special Interest/Hobby Groups

12:53:32     From  veda vazquez : when you are older it is harder to make new friends. you are set in your ways and set in what you think you can do

12:54:20     From  Arlene Polangin : I always appreciated every day.  That's one reason I retired early at 57 to enjoy life: travel, museums, theatre, movies, friends; all great.  Then the rare disease appeared.  What a shock.  "life" stopped as I know it. and now with Covid I'm still taking it slowly.

12:54:39     From  Arlene Polangin : I'm in one of the villages.  They are great!

12:54:43     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : Looking to see if there is a Village in your area? https://www.vtvnetwork.org/

12:54:47     From  Mary Warneka   to   Hosts and panelists : M Warneka MSSA  a social worker by trade .....it’s the HOW of these Domains that needs more discussion .. maybe later ? That would be good !

12:55:05     From  Helen Wintrob : Although I think that the suggestions being made on a content level excellent, but frankly I find the emotional contact absent and make old age terrifying. I think you need to give emotional issues more thought in the future.  sorry to be critical.

12:55:06     From  Deborah Kovach : This is National Heart Month, please all women do not ignore any unusual physical symptoms, eg arrhythmia issues.  If the arrhythmia persists and/or unusual, contact your health professional immediately.  From:  a 10 year heart survivor.

12:55:12     From  Jeanne W : I second that. I volunteer with my local village, and it is mutually rewarding.

12:55:17     From  Nancy Piness : Thank you, Benita and Steve...Definitely a shout-out to our Villages!

12:55:50     From  Steve Jakubowski : Hi Valoria, I'm a local financial advisor and have several older adults as clients and I'm very sensitive to their concerns and needs. I'd be happy to talk with you. You can also check out my website. http://www.edwardjones.com/steve-jakubowski. You can also email at steve.jakubowski@edwardjones.com or call me at 301-803-9531.

12:56:04     From  Wendy Kuhn : Naborforce is also a helpful resource - pairing "nabors" with older adults who could use some companionship and meaningful conversation.  They can also help with meal prep, errands, transportation.  wendy@naborforce.com

12:56:26     From  Caryn Isaacs   to   Hosts and panelists : PulseCenterforPatientSafety.org to learn how to work with doctors and hospitals

12:56:29     From  Marjorie Cotterman : Sorry, I have to sign off, this has been so very helpful, I will be getting a roadmap to work on. TY

12:57:38     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Caryn Isaacs to All Panelists 12:56 PM

PulseCenterforPatientSafety.org to learn how to work with doctors and hospitals

12:57:54     From  Elaine Honig : Ditto with HW above.

12:58:37     From  Barbara Bernstein   to   Hosts and panelists : Is there a training association to be a Patient Advocate?

12:58:59     From  Barbara Bernstein   to   Hosts and panelists : Above Q for Caryn.

12:59:49     From  Carol Marak : Hi everyone!! Good to be here with you today. I’m Carol Marak, Solo Aging Expert, Creator, The Guided Roadmap for a Supportive and Secure Future. Contact me Carol@CarolMarak.com for information and to purchase the roadmap to create you own “aging well” plan.

13:00:44     From  Mary Warneka   to   Hosts and panelists : Signing off now ... thanks for the topic  Steve , thanks for  “ intervening “

13:01:01     From  Judy Probber : How would I find the recording and chat? Excellent presentation!

13:01:10     From  Nancy Garcia : Thank you so much I learned so much and will indeed be getting my map too!

13:01:59     From  Tomicka Hill : Thank you so much! This was a great, informative presentation.

13:02:57     From  Mary Moeder : Great Information, thank you.

13:04:16     From  Brianna Knight : Amazing answers. Thank you for your insights!

13:04:17     From  Katie Gates   to   Hosts and panelists : can you share the chat with us?

13:07:21     From  Carole Klawansky : North Shore Animal League has a program to insure your pets will be cared for permanently after you pass.  www.nsal.org.

13:08:33     From  Michele Higgs   to   Hosts and panelists : Excellent presentation, Gave me a lot to think about . . . and do!

13:09:36     From  Michele Higgs   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you.

13:09:45     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : https://carolmarak.com/

13:11:28     From  Andrea Leschak : Thanks Steve. Smart! I hadn't searched FB for that subgroup.

13:11:32     From  Brianna Knight : All of this was great information. Thank you so much!

13:11:34     From  Marcy Silver : Thank you! Very informative!

13:12:05     From  Caryn Isaacs : Training for Patient Advocates https://www.aphadvocates.org

13:12:40     From  Caryn Isaacs : http://pulsecenterforpatientsafety.org

13:12:45     From  Andrea Leschak : Thank you everyone. I have to run. Find me on LinkedIn.

13:12:48     From  Caryn Isaacs : Thanks for inviting me. Caryn Isaacs, BCPA  GetHealthHelp.com  PatientAdvocate@GetHealthHelp.com 347-965-9222     I find ways for Aging Icons to continue their life mission because when they say that nothing can be done, that just means that they don't know what to do.

13:12:59     From  Susan Payne   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you all for this presentation and conversation!  Much appreciated!

13:13:00     From  Pamela Houghtaling : Thank you so much for a very informative program.

13:13:11     From  Susan Kousek : Thank you so much, Steve, Carol, and Caryn. This has been great information.