If you weren't aware, in the next decade, one out of every five people will be 65
or older. All Baby Boomers will be 65 and older by 2030. Currently, more than 34% of the
licensed attorneys in the United States are over 65, with this number increasing as the population ages.
With aging, there are normal changes that everyone can more
or less expect to happen. Examples of normal aging changes are: experiencing
forgetfulness regarding recent events or newly acquired information; taking
longer to figure out new problems; having difficulty concentrating when trying
to do two or more tasks at once; taking longer than usual to recall words,
phrases and names; feeling a decreased desire to engage in socialization;
experiencing negative reactions to changes in routines; having difficulty with
hearing and vision; and occasionally misplacing familiar objects.
As we all know, there are people that experience more significant
cognitive issues that may indicate more serious problems. Resources with more information about
cognitive decline, dementia, ethical obligations and roles colleagues can have
in helping those struggling can be found below.
Lawyers and cognitive decline: Diminished capacity may bring
ethics problems for sufferers
Concerns About Cognitive Impairment and Older Lawyers
Out of Focus: Lawyers and Firms Can No Longer Ignore
Dementia
NYSBA’s Law Practice Management has a number of resources to
help navigate the retirement from law, for any reason: http://archive.nysba.org/SellingYourPractice/
The Planning Ahead Guide is full of valuable practical information and it’s a
free download: http://archive.nysba.org/PlanningAheadGuide2016/
Center for Healthy Aging-Online resources and information
about how to live a healthier longer life. https://www.ncoa.org/center-for-healthy-aging/
National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/ Provides online resources on all facets of aging.
