Originally from South Africa, debut author Alexandra Bell now calls Hot Springs home. Her new book, Make a Plan to Save Your Life: Your Essential Guide to Surviving Medical Emergencies (self-published in February), is a practical guide born of Bell’s own life experience as a retiree, Certified Longevity Coach, and former recruitment and human resources professional who spent decades helping people prepare for comfortable retirements.
Bell shares, “Drawing on my concept of ‘Intentional Longevity’—investing in health and habits today to protect independence years from now—I guide older adults through the emotional and practical transitions of later life. Make a Plan empowers seniors and their families to prepare for predictable medical emergencies before they happen so they can avoid upending retirement plans, family relationships, and financial stability, maximizing their chances to survive and preserve independence.”
Make a Plan draws on interviews with first responders, reputable medical organizations, and expert sources.
This statistic motivated Bell to write: 60-70% percent of seniors will suffer from a stroke, fall, or heart attack—the leading causes of death and disability in retirement. Travel and adventure can suddenly take a backseat to rehabilitation or even loss of independence, and partners become caregivers.
“We may have wills and insurance policies, but how about planning not just to preserve life, but quality of life?” asks Bell. “Having a plan can save lives, protect independence, save thousands of dollars of unexpected medical expenses, and save relationships.”
The book includes:
- Straightforward explanations of symptoms and immediate action steps;
- Dozens of ways to influence outcomes through easy changes to environment and behavior;
- How to effectively partner with first responders, streamlining care;
- How to replace panic with practiced protocols; and
- A list of recommended safety gadgets.
Make a Plan is available through national retailers.
Hot Springs native Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in Little Rock. She owns and runs etaliapress.com. Wood is the author of “Women Make Arkansas: Conversations With 50 Creatives” (2019) and editor of and a contributor to “Scars: An Anthology” (2015).
{Additional book reviews by Erin Wood can be found on our website at TheSpringsMagazine.com/AR Books.}
