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Voice of Experience

Voice of Experience: April 2023 | Transition

Overcoming the Challenges of Aging

Michael L Goldblatt

Overcoming the Challenges of Aging
Iryna Mylinska via Getty Images

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The legal profession is aging at a dramatic pace. There are about 1.3 million practicing lawyers in the United States and nearly 13% are 65 or older. Aging affects lawyers differently depending on the size of their organization and whether they work in a firm, corporation, education, government, or non-profit.

Regardless of work environment, aging can impact financial security, mental well-being, and physical health. The adverse effects of aging can be overcome with advance planning and behavioral changes. Use the following tips to help lead a long, happy, and useful life. Following the article are links to articles, books, and websites with additional information for overcoming the challenges of aging.

Tips

Appearance look ageless by limiting sun exposure, coloring grey hair, moisturizing skin, and updating wardrobes.

Financing – secure futures by buying an annuity and delaying the start of Social Security benefits.

Healthcare – avoid problems by calendaring health checkups, dental exams, and immunizations.

Insuring – mitigate risk by purchasing long-term care insurance and supplemental health insurance.

Lifestyle – adopt a healthy lifestyle with daily exercise, good sleep habits, a Mediterranean diet, and moderate drinking.

Socializing – stay social by taking classes, visiting friends, and taking group tours.

Work – after retirement stay active with part-time employment, mentoring, and pro bono activities.

Conclusion

Lawyers can avoid aging issues with advance planning and lifestyle changes. Act now to improve your ability to continue your career and lead an active life. Follow the tips mentioned above and use the resources below to implement them.

Articles

Arthur Brooks, Your Professional Decline Is Coming (Much) Sooner Than You Think - Here’s How to Make the Most of It, The Atlantic, July 2019

Anahad O'Connor, Want to Live a Longer Life - Try Eating Like a Centenarian, Washington Post, Feb. 14, 2023.

Camille Pagan, The Immunity Challenge: How Aging Affects Your Immune System, WebMD, Aug. 23, 2016.

Staff, Aging: What to Expect, Mayo Clinic, Nov. 3, 2022.

Edward Winslow, Not Fade Away: Can Old Lawyers Age Successfully, Law Practice Today, Jan. 14, 2020.

John Zumbrun, You Might Live Longer Than You Think - Your Finances Might Not, Wall Street Journal, Feb. 10, 2023.

Staff, What Do We Know About Healthy Aging, NIH, Feb. 23, 2022. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging

Books

Louise Aronson, Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, Reimaging Life, Bloomsbury Publishing, Mar. 2, 2021.

Paula Almgren, et al., Elder Law Education Guide, 13th Ed, Massachusetts Bar Association, May 2022.

Arthur Brooks,Your Professional Decline Is Coming (Much) Sooner Than You Think - Here’s How to Make the Most of It, The Atlantic, July 2019.

Jo Ann Jenkins, et al., Your Body: Secrets to Living Longer, Better and Healthier, AARP, Jan. 20, 2017.

Michael Kinsey, Old Age: A Beginner's Guide, Crown, Apr. 26, 2016.

Suze Orman, The Ultimate Retirement Guide for 50+: Winning Strategies to Make Your Money Last a Lifetime, Hay House, Feb. 25, 2020.

Time Magazine, https://time.com/collection/live-well/

Websites

ABA Commission on Law and Aging

AARP - Wellness Resources

Healthy Aging

National Council on Aging

Resources for Senior Lawyers

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