Barack Obama's hair turned a little gray during his 20-month quest for the presidency but he's hardly the only one showing some age. President-elect Obama will lead a country that is aging rapidly as the huge baby boomer generation heads toward retirement. By the year 2030, there will be 72 million Americans over age 65 -- about 20 percent of the total population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

With all the urgent problems facing the country, you might think aging and retirement policy issues would be far from the top of the new President's priority list. But many of the issues facing older Americans are tightly bound with the broader economic challenges facing the Obama Administration. That means we're likely to see changes over the next four years that affect anyone who is retired -- or hopes to be soon.

 

 

In the months of December and January, many of you will be celebrating holidays. For some this is a time to cherish with family and friends. For others, it is a time of reflection, meditation and planning for the future.

If you are visiting with elderly parents over the holidays, you may find it a good time to take note of their condition and ability to adequately care for themselves.  Are they looking well? Has there been a significant loss of weight, or increasing confusion?  Do they need assistance with their daily tasks they aren't currently getting?  At San Diego Elder Law Center, we've noticed that holiday family visits with elderly parents are often the time diminished capacity and care and condition problems are first noted.   It's easier to take a moment now and assess their needs, than to let things reach a point of crisis.

However you spend these days, we wish you the best.  Our firm is thankful for your continued support, and extends the warmest wishes for this season and into the New Year.