As the older adult population grows, long-term financial planning will become more important. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, seniors are projected to outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history in the next decade. Considering this, older Americans would be wise to plan for increased costs for in-home caregiving and assisted living facilities, which will be in high demand. According to a recent survey, the median cost for assisted living is $54,000 a year, with a private nursing home room costing about $108,405 annually. Basic full-time home care runs about $56,160. National Health Expenditure projections show that home health care spending will increase as much as 83% by 2027, while spending for nursing homes and other continuing care retirement communities could increase 58%. These considerations, along with an increased need for caregivers, could signal a looming public health crisis. USA Today in an article last week discusses these challenges and provides tips on how to best assist clients in planning for the journey ahead.

May is Older Americans Month (OAM) and the U.S. Administration for Community Living has materials and activity ideas on its website to mark the month. The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. This is the 60th anniversary for the program designed to highlight important trends and recognize challenges and achievements of seniors. Learn more here.

The Metro Nashville Office of Conservatorship Management (OCM) is seeking West Tennessee volunteers for its Conservatorship Assistance Program. A joint venture with the TBA Public Education Committee and state legal aid organizations, the program assists applicants in obtaining conservatorships for their special needs children when they turn 18. The goal is to obtain a list of lawyers in West Tennessee willing to assist when needed. Learn more and volunteer on the TBA Public Education portal.

The TBA recently hosted a free educational webinar on the science behind ending daylight savings time. During the event, TBA Attorney Well Being Committee Chair Joanna McCracken interviewed Dr. Beth Malow, director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Division. Malow has testified on the health aspects related to changing our clocks and spearheaded legislation in the Tennessee state legislature to end Daylight Saving Time. The discussion focused on recent initiatives to do away with time shifts and how the human body responds to these changes. Watch a replay of the webinar here.

The TBA Elder Law Forum will take place in-person July 21 at the Belmont University College of Law. This annual staple for Tennessee attorneys provides an optimal learning experience, while allowing attendees to meet with other professionals sharing their focus. Topics for this year’s program include a probate judge’s panel, redetermination, ethics for elder law attorneys, crisis planning, tax considerations and more. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to learn the intangibles of this practice area with like-minded lawyers. Learn more and register here.

The Tennessee Bar Association’s Disability Law Section will host a Zoom roundtable discussion on Thursday, May 18, at 2:30 p.m. CDT / 3:30 p.m. EDT. This roundtable will be a National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) Annual Conference recap, guided by Beth Bates and Chris George.

Join this interactive discussion to share your experiences, listen to other section members and/or ask questions. Please complete the RSVP before 12:30 p.m. CDT / 1:30 p.m. EDT on May 18 to receive the email invitation to join the Zoom meeting.

The Nashville Bar Association (NBA), Nashville Bar Foundation (NBF) and Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) will hold a golf tournament next Thursday at the Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory. Click here for more information and to register.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) New Lawyers Section is holding a summer social at Yee-Haw Brewing on Thursday, May 25, from 5-7 p.m. EDT at Yee-Haw Brewing located at 745 N. Broadway in Knoxville. The event is free for KBA New Lawyers. Register here.

The Lawyers' Association for Women (LAW), Marion Griffin Chapter will hold its annual Meet the New Board Happy Hour next Thursday at 6 p.m. CDT at Sonny's Patio Pub & Refuge at 1322 6th Ave. N. in Nashville. LAW has reserved a cabana and picnic table so the group will be easy to find. LAW will provide appetizers. Register here.

The Chattanooga Bar Association YLD will hold a happy hour event at No Hard Feelings Bar located at 806 Broad St. in Chattanooga on Wednesday, May 17, at 5:30 p.m. EDT.