Forget the snowbird phenomenon. The trend of retirees migrating to Florida when the weather is cold and returning to their home in the North at the first sign of spring will probably become the exception rather than the rule in the next few years. Instead, retirees will be flocking to the suburbs, according to a new book. William H. Hudnut, the book’s author, surmises that “Between now and 2030, the over-65 population will double in the nation’s suburbs.”

Kay Severinsen, Editor for SearchChicago-Homes.com, reviews Hudnut’s book, Changing Metropolitan America: Planning for a Sustainable Future in an article entitled “Suburbs to age ungracefully?” Severinsen shares that a recent study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that “older boomers, born between 1945 and 1954, are saving no more than 20 percent of their income in their late 40s, and young boomers, born between 1955 and 1964, are saving no more than 10 percent.”

If those in their late 40s are saving no more than 10 percent, I don’t even want to think about what people in my age group are saving. I already know that I should be saving a lot more than I am, but part of me thinks I’ll probably have to work until I’m 80 at the rate this economy is going, so why bother? And there is some truth to this theory of mine. As Severinsen continues, she confirms that because these boomers have not saved, they will be working well past the traditional retirement age. Now what does this have to do with flocking to the ‘burbs, you ask? She asserts these older workers will be less likely to maintain their aging properties, propelling them to suburban living.

On some levels, this makes sense, but I found the last few paragraphs of Severinsen’s article a bit offensive. First, she gives the example of 75-year-old “Joe Schmo” coming home from a long day at work and being too tired to fix the loose gutter. She then shares a personal example of someone she remembers as the “Cat Man” - an elderly man who lived with his even more elderly mother and a large number of feral cats — and she doesn’t mind admitting that her family moved to another neighborhood to get away from “Cat Man.” Now I don’t want to judge Ms. Severinsen — perhaps she or someone in her family was highly allergic to cats, and I understand from her article that the stench was atrocious.

While she makes some valid suggestions for the future of silver-haired suburban living — tax breaks, community clean-up days, free paint — she uses these two examples of Joe Schmo and Cat Man to illustrate a point that I find somewhat unsettling: “Today’s newer subdivisions still have that shiny, just built look, but they could become tomorrow’s problem neighborhoods, regardless of their original price.” Is she suggesting that the suburbs will become run down once the senior citizens move in? I think this is an unfair judgment. Personally, I prefer city dwelling and wouldn’t trade my 1920’s home for a suburban spot, but no matter where you live, there are always going to be people who don’t or can’t maintain their property in a way that suits everyone. Should cities and suburbs alike be prepared to support an aging population in their community? Sure. Should people currently living in the ‘burbs worry about Cat Man moving in next door? I don’t think so.

Given the current economic conditions and a boomer population that has saved less than their parents’ generation, it seems that we are looking at a future where retirees aren’t likely to buy that condo in Florida, even if it’s just for the winter months. Regardless of where retired elders end up, let’s be sure to check in on them now and then. Shovel their walkway when it snows or lend them a hand when you see them carrying heavy bags of groceries. Being a good neighbor doesn’t cost a penny, and in today’s world, you can’t find much with that price tag anymore.

- Michelle Seitzer

Many retirees in today’s troubled economy are asking themselves this question, as their nest eggs dwindled (some drastically) before their very eyes. Some were on the verge of retirement, on track to enjoy a comfortable future, until the economy took a dramatic turn in the wrong direction.

Melissa Dahl, a health writer for MSNBC.com, writes about this issue and its devastating effects on baby boomers that were looking forward to hobbies like grandparenting, gardening, or golf in their golden years. Instead, these boomers now suffer from increased anxiety, panic attacks and depression as they face the reality of having to delay retirement another five, 10 or, perhaps for some, an indefinite number of years.

Thoughts of suicide may also cross the minds of these individuals, although one MSNBC.com reader illustrated just how bad things really are by sharing this painful truth: “I have contemplated suicide, but my family does not have enough money to bury me.”

Statements such as these indicate to me that we have truly hit rock bottom, and it pains me to know that people are in such desperate situations. I really do hope for some kind of breakthrough soon, as do all of us, but as the saying goes, “none of this happened overnight, so none of it will go away overnight either.” While we must not completely throw our hands up in despair, we must also be sure that we become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

On the bright side, I truly believe that these trying times have forced many who may have been living beyond their means to scale back and work within a more reasonable, practical budget. Even those who were living within their means may now have the unique opportunity to grow and be challenged by learning to become an even better steward of their finances, which could mean a greater reward when the economy is healthy once again.

Working on a budget is an extremely positive thing no matter what is happening on Wall Street. During these last few months, I can say that my husband and I have a little more peace of mind just knowing exactly what is coming in and exactly how much is going out… and, perhaps most important, the when and where of our income and expenses. We certainly don’t plan on cutting off our monthly budgeting when the economy rights itself - this is a life skill and a practice that will benefit us no matter what the economic climate may be. But I must admit it was these uncertain times that drove us to get smart about our finances.

While I find myself facing many more years in the workforce simply because I am only in my 30s, I understand that losing time and money from your retirement is not just about missing a few years on the beach drinking margaritas or a few extra rounds on the greens. For my own father, it likely means a few more years of a long and often stressful commute to Manhattan from Northeastern PA. Phyllis Moen, a sociologist from the University of Minnesota, says it this way: “It’s a real sense of shock… here they [retirees] thought they were in control, and they created a life that works — and suddenly, they’ve lost control.”

It’s almost too depressing to go on (and it makes me as a 30-something wonder if “retirement” as an activity or even a concept will even exist when I’m in my 50s or 60s), but if you are reading this article and either a. know a person in this situation who needs some help, or b. that someone is yourself, please read/ share the coping tips below:

HOW TO COPE

• Talk, talk, talk. Share your fears and frustrations with your family, so the financial struggle becomes a family project instead of your burden alone.
• If someone is telling you that they’re worried about you, don’t blow them off. “It’s really easy to say, ‘Oh, I’m fine,’” says Jennifer Harkstein, a New York City clinical psychologist. “But if people around you are noticing a behavioral change, that’s important.”
• Don’t go it alone. Experts encourage struggling retirees to find the time to volunteer or join social activities, to find peers that may be in similar situations and remind themselves that they’re not alone in this.
• If a self-loathing idea floats through your brain — Could I have worked harder? Saved more? — squash it.
• Try tucking away even just a small amount each week in savings. Experiencing the magic of watching a savings account that’s slowly growing will remind you that some things are still in your control.

- tips courtesy of the msnbc.com article “Retirement Dreams Give Way to Despair, Anger”

After a lifetime of hard work and careful planning, prospective retirees deserve to put their feet up. But if you’ve been hurt by this turbulent economy and may be looking at a few more years with your nose to the grindstone when you were really hoping to get that gold watch and big party soon, know that you’re not alone, and be sure to put your feet up the moment you get home from work.

- Michelle Seitzer

The holidays can be a difficult time if a loved one has moved into a senior living facility, or if Alzheimer’s or dementia blocks recognition of family members. Adult children who have not been able to visit an aging parent for several months may notice subtle or drastic changes in their parent’s ability to manage living independently. As if the stress of untangling Christmas lights and waiting in retail store lines wasn’t enough, this extra layer of tension also wraps itself around families during the busy holiday season.

There are a number of things to keep in mind if you are in the “Sandwich Generation” and juggling the many responsibilities that come with this phase of life. Holiday visits with senior family members can still be meaningful, enjoyable, and pleasant –- for both the senior and their extended family -– and all should contribute to making it so.

I’m reminded of the well-known anthem from Fiddler on the Roof, “Tradition,” where Tevye, the patriarch and lead character, sings of the sacred role that traditions play in keeping the community together. The same goes for families today. If there is a tradition that has been longstanding in your home, continue practicing it.

One of our favorite holiday traditions came from my grandparents’ home country of Norway. Every Christmas Eve, we would eat ris grod (Norwegian for rice pudding). Before Grandma dished up the tasty treat, she mixed a nut into the serving bowl. If you were lucky enough to receive the nut in your bowl, you were awarded a marzipan pig. After we left my grandparent’s home, my parents would always allow us to open one gift: a new pair of pajamas to wear that night. Both of these traditions are simple and can be practiced anywhere, and although my Grandpa is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s, I am sure we will still eat ris grod on Christmas Eve.

Perhaps your mother is in a nursing home, but she has always left cookies and milk for Santa. If so, bring a plate of cookies and a glass of milk to her room in the facility. Maybe your grandfather just lost his wife of 50 years. Talk with him about how he is feeling; you may want to create a new tradition together if the grief is still overwhelming.

Other tips:

• A recently posted article on CNN.com offers insights on visiting family members with Alzheimer’s or dementia who may not recognize their loved ones. Regardless of whether or not there is visible recognition, it is absolutely crucial to visit your loved one. In many cases, your loved one may recognize you, but they are unable to recall your name because of the disease’s effects on memory and cognitive function. Perhaps they have lost the ability to speak but are still able to express their emotions non-verbally. Ultimately, it is important to remember that whether or not your loved one recognizes you, they are likely to notice if you are not there. As hard as it may be for you to see them without the ease and closeness you were once accustomed to, your visit will help maintain some sense of normalcy while their own world turns upside down as a result of the disease.

• Ten practical tips for keeping seniors happy during the holidays include reminiscing, planning ahead, and monitoring medications and alcohol. If a loved one lost a spouse within the year, it is important to be sensitive to the signs of depression and offer support for the family member –- respect their need to grieve the loss while providing many opportunities to connect with those who will lift their spirits.

• If it’s been awhile since you last visited your great aunt, keep an eye out for the telltale signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. All too often, the signs and symptoms are present long before a family member (or the afflicted individual) notices or takes the next step towards diagnosis. Memory loss is not the only sign of dementia –- be aware of personality changes, mood swings, or problems with language.

Most important: Keep things simple, straightforward, and special, and cherish the time spent with family regardless of how different things may be. You may end up creating a new tradition that will be enjoyed for years to come.

- Michelle Seitzer

Mick Jagger turned 65 a few days ago. That’s right, the Rolling Stones rock and roll legend is officially eligible to retire.

But apparently he has no plans to do so. According to the U.S. News and World Report blog “Planning to Retire,” the Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group signed a long-term deal just last week. So the beat goes on.

And why should Mick retire? Not only are he and his bandmates still able to pack a house, they grossed nearly $558 million on their last tour in 2007.

Most of us aren’t anywhere near being in that financial position, of course. With gas and food prices on the rise, and healthcare costs continuing their climb, many retirees are either returning to work or cutting back to make ends meet, according to a recent MSNBC story that finds seniors “perhaps the hardest-hit victims of the slumping economy.”

An increasing number of older workers are delaying retirement or re-evaluating plans to retire. According to an AARP survey in May, nearly one in five people ages 55 to 64 and about one in four ages 45 to 54 said they planned to delay retirement due to the economic downturn.

An uncertain economy has also spurred some retirees to return to the labor force, fearing they’ll outlive their savings, according to “Shaky Economy Puts Retirement Plans on Hold.” Nearly one of four adults ages 65 to 74 was in the workforce, and those numbers continue to grow. In 2000, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded just 19 percent of workers in that age group.

But never mind about “older” workers in their 60s and 70s. How about workers in their 80s? My own mother, who is nearing that age group, just left a position in fundraising in June, will take a short break for the summer, and then will start looking for a new job this fall.

Mom would be perfectly happy to stop working. She has plenty of other things to fill her days. But living on a fixed income — even when keeping expenses down — is tough, and unexpected (and uncovered) medical bills led her to hit the pavement again.

Are your parents continuing to work, deep into traditional retirement age? If so, why? I welcome your stories on this new generation of older workers.

– Lori Woehrle

Older Americans — those 55 year or older — are filing for bankruptcy in greater numbers, and the bankruptcy rate among those 65 years or older has more than doubled over the past 17 years.

A June 2008 study of bankruptcy activity from 1991 to 2007 found that older Americans, who made up about eight percent of those filing for bankruptcy in 1991, were more than 22 percent of that group by 2007.

“While the bulk of bankruptcy filers are in their 30s and 40s, the financial landscape for the oldest and youngest generations has changed considerably,” said Elizabeth Warren, a Harvard Law School professor who compiled the study. “Those ages 34 or younger experienced the greatest decrease in bankruptcy filings, comprising nearly half (45.5%) in 1991 to just over a quarter (26.1%) in 2007 of all bankrupt debtors.

“Research found that by 2007, the median age for bankruptcy filers had increased to 43 years old in 2007 from 36.5 years old in 1991,” Warren said. “A declining economy, increasing healthcare costs, and a general lack of retirement preparedness puts older Americans and their families at greater risk for bankruptcy and continued financial stress.”

Funding for the report was provided by AARP, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the University of Michigan Research Initiative Grant Program and the Harvard Law School Dean’s Fund.

–Lori Woehrle

The American Bar Association is urging states to adopt programs that allow retired attorneys to work for free to assist vulnerable seniors and low-income individuals.

Twenty-seven jurisdictions have emeritus attorney pro bono programs in place, according to the ABA’s Commission on Law and Aging. These programs provide a limited license for retired and non-practicing lawyers to practice on a volunteer basis for nonprofit legal providers serving seniors and low- and moderate-income individuals.

Pro bono programs offer the potential for expansion of legal services delivery and advocacy, the ABA said. Emeritus attorneys can provide legal services to home-bound residents; residents of hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities; and clients with limited access to transportation or who otherwise cannot visit an office.

The ABA provides a checklist of issues to consider in establishing an emeritus attorney pro bono program.

“Significant numbers of attorneys are expected to retire or modify their practices in the coming years,” says the ABA. “Emeritus attorney pro bono programs offer these attorneys a limited license…and are a great way to reinvest in our civil justice system the legal skills, training and experience of retired and non-practicing attorneys.”

– Lori Woehrle