This article was originally published on hamiltoncountyherald.com.
With more than 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day in the United States, the demographic landscape is changing. To connect individuals and families to community resources and offer opportunities for discussion on important topics, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel hosted the 2017 Embrace Aging Forum July 13 at Embassy Suites at Hamilton Place.
Ashton Applewhite, Next Avenue’s 2016 Aging Influencer of the Year, kicked off the all-day event. Chambliss then offered attendees the opportunity to share, network and learn about important topics in aging, such as benefits planning, health and wellness, estate and financial planning and elder abuse.
Applewhite, the author of “This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism,” received a standing ovation on the TED mainstage in April for her talk on ageism.
“Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured,” Applewhite says. “It is a natural, powerful and lifelong process that unites us all and should be a source of pride – not shame. That’s why we need a grassroots movement to make discrimination based on age as unacceptable as any other form of prejudice.”
Chambliss certified elder law attorney Dana Perry has been serving the aging population for over 25 years and is excited for the Chattanooga community to embrace this new movement.
“We were pleased to bring Ashton to Chattanooga to be the catalyst for sparking the conversation in aging and helping us realize the vital importance in planning for the future. Developing a plan for assets, benefits and health care early on helps prevent problems and worries,” Perry says.
AARP, a national resource for individuals age 50 and older, is actively investing in the Chattanooga area and was a frontrunner at the conference.
“One in three Americans is now 50 or older, and by 2030, one in five will be 65 years or older,” says Tracy Mathews, AARP’s associate state director for Tennessee. “The need for guidance regarding how to make the transition into retirement has never been greater, and we commend Chambliss Law for spearheading this comprehensive forum and for bringing together thought leaders to support the boomers and their families.”
“This is an exciting time to be a boomer, and Ashton is at the forefront of changing the way we think about aging,” Perry adds. “Chattanooga has been ranked nationally many times as one of the top places to live and retire, and by bringing someone of her caliber to Chattanooga along with the other panelists and experts, this forum was an incredible, eye-opening experience.”
Chambliss Law Firm hosts a forum focusing on elder law, estate planning, special needs and related topics every year.
Sponsors for the forum included Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, AARP Tennessee, CHI Memorial Center for Healthy Aging, Southeastern Trust Company, Evergreen Advisors, Hospice of Chattanooga and WTCI-TV Tennessee Valley PBS.