While alternative dispute resolution has been successful in Surrogate’s Courts, Article 81 guardianship proceedings present unique challenges relating to an alleged incapacitated person. Read the PDF of the article published in the New York Law... »

A couple of months ago we discussed Japan’s aging generation in Once Coveted Japanese Apartment Buildings Now Homes to Lonely Deaths.  Sadly, the loneliness affliction is not limited to Japan and is a global issue facing the elderly around the world.  A heart-wrenching article by Huffington Post UK columnist... »

A few years ago, New York Times journalist John Leland started following the lives of six New Yorkers over 85 years old. Our blog followers may remember our 2015 article A Snapshot of NYC's Oldest Old, One of NYC's Largest, and Most Ignored, Demographics. It talked about the common challenges this older community... »

Q: My mother (now 77 years old) made me the primary agent under her power of attorney. It’s a ten-page document and very confusing.  What am I legally permitted and/or obligated to do?  What is my legal exposure if I act on her behalf? A: This is a question... »

Yesterday, the world's oldest person--Emma Morano of Piedmont, Italy, died at the age of 117. Born on November 29, 1899, Ms. Morano lived during 3 centuries, through 2 world wars, and witnessed more than 90 Italian governments. To what did she attribute her old age? 3 eggs a day, 2 of... »

With the boomer population coming of (retirement) age, entrepreneurs have put some real thought into how they can capitalize off of this enormous slice of society that wields substantial financial power. One trend--more and more alternative living scenarios are emerging that make the retirement years more enjoyable, from activity-focused... »

Alison Arden Besunder will be presenting at the Suffolk Academy of Law seminar Ethics in the End of Life Decision Making on March 9, 2017. Event description, registration information, agenda and speaker bios can be found below.  Who Should AttendThis program is targeted for general practice attorneys; any attorney who drafts advance directives;... »

Did you know that one out of three people will suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease? Our odds aren't good. Yet in the U.S., we still lack the infrastructure to care for these individuals and allay their fear, sadness and embarrassment as their once-sharp minds falter. Once again, we have... »

Housing in New York is a big cost for just about anybody, but imagine if you were a student. The loaded cost of a year at NYU--including tuition, fees, room and board--is about $66,000. At that rate, which would come first, death or the payoff of your students loans?  Using... »

Humanitas, a nursing home in the Netherlands introduced a fresh spin: offering rent-free housing to students who spend 30 hours a month socializing with older residents.    Humanitas CEO Gea Sijpkes, like so many who are challenged with doing more with less, initiated the program--and it has been a success. "I... »