Millions of Americans are finding themselves on their own as they head toward retirement. Some are solo by circumstances, others by choice. Baby Boomers all of them, they are driving new trends in housing, work, caretaking and traveling, while also redefining what it means to be part of a community. These partner-less pioneers are rewriting the book on retirement as they learn what it takes to successfully retire solo and remain happy, healthy and independent in the coming years.

Being solo is no longer just a stop on the way to a happy ending. For an increasing number of people, it's a lifestyle choice and the destination. Solo is a natural, dynamic state that we experience as we cycle in and out of life stages, living arrangements and relationships. The new reality is that most of us will spend more time solo than in a married or committed relationship over the course of our lifetime. And: It is almost certain that we will be solo during the later years of our lives.

Nearly 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day - a reality that began in 2010 and is expected to continue through 2029. Few feel financially prepared for retirement. Those who are married are likely counting on a spouse's income to help save for retirement and to provide a second Social Security check in the future. Statistics, however, indicate that most married Boomers are destined to become solo again, whether through death or divorce.

In short, there are no guarantees in life, whether you are solo, married or somewhere in between. It is likely that you will have to continue working, start a business or come up with another source of income to supplement whatever Social Security benefits you may earn. Have you thought about how you will spend your time in retirement, how or where you may want to live, how you will stay active and healthy in the years ahead, or who will be there for you as you grow older? You should.

It's never too late, or too soon, to develop a plan to protect your independence and make sure that your coming years are happy, healthy and brightened by a sense of community. Retiring Solo will show you how to begin.

Author Lori Martinek is a successful serial entrepreneur and an advisor and mentor to business owners. As a small business owner for nearly 30 years, Lori knew that she needed a plan to secure her future and protect her independence as she grew older. As a vibrant single woman with a passion for outdoor activities and social causes, Lori also wanted to protect her health and her mobility, stay active and engaged in the world around her, create a sense of community that would provide social opportunities and support, and find a way to 'live alone, but together' with other active adults. Her journey to create her personal retirement rebalancing plan also produced this book.

Lori has served as an advisor and a state network consultant to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) funded programs, including Small Business Development Center networks and DLA-funded Procurement Technical Assistant Programs across the U.S.

She is the founder of MindingHerBiz, a pro bono project which helps female entrepreneurs confront the challenges of startup and growth.

As a small business owner for nearly 30 years, Lori knew that she needed a plan to secure her future and protect her independence as she grew older. Lori also wanted to protect her health and her mobility, stay active and engaged in the world around her, create a sense of community that would provide social opportunities and support, and find a way to 'live alone, but together' with other active adults. Her journey to create her personal retirement rebalancing plan produced this book.

Lori is also the author of Be the Bulb! (2009 Herlife Publishing). Her articles on marketing and management have appeared in national publications and metro newspapers.