February 2021

The MLO Minute: By, Lindsey Conan, Esq. and Dennis McAndrews, Esq.

Every one of us has been affected in some manner by the terrible pandemic which has gripped our nation and the world. Even though the work of our law firm has continued unabated while working remotely, we miss the personal contact with our clients, our colleagues, and everyone within the realm of our professional and personal circles. A number of commentators have identified that the current health and economic crisis has created a “K-Shaped” economic world, meaning that some individuals and organizations have done well, while other individuals and organizations are suffering disproportionately. Recent statistics show that the elderly are impacted at far greater levels than perhaps any other group of Americans, with 80% of fatalities due to coronavirus falling upon individuals age 65 and over, and food insecurity and hunger doubling in this age group.

It is estimated that as many as 20% of our fellow elderly citizens are now going hungry. A recent news article, linked below, sets out more fully the nature of this troubling statistic, as well as describing the often heroic efforts of volunteer organizations which are doing everything possible to meet these needs. In many cases, organizations which provide food directly to elderly citizens who are homebound are the only contacts these elderly citizens experience, and in many cases the food delivery volunteers are links to emergency services when their elderly friends fail to answer the door or a phone call to retrieve their food for the day. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/hidden-hunger-elderly-hunger-rise-during-covid-n1254415.

Many staff in our firm (and our families) have redoubled our various efforts and contributions to the elderly, including (but not limited to) organizations such as Feeding America, Philabundance, and faith-based groups which are providing extraordinary services to the elderly and those with income insecurity. While we recognize that we can never do enough, part of our efforts are to increase public awareness of the needs of seniors which can be so great. We know that many of our clients and colleagues have participated in these efforts, and we extend our appreciation to the many volunteers and contributors to this important cause.