Law Professor's Co-Authored Book Offers Advice to Seniors, Families
A newly published book co-authored by UA law professor Kenney F. Hegland covers medical, financial and legal issues for seniors and families.

By La Monica Everett-Haynes, University Communications
Jan. 28, 2010


Kenney F. Hegland admits that part of his research and advocacy is driven by his own aging, but one major concern for his work resides in a desire that the public understand the law. 

Aging and the law have led Hegland, a James E. Rogers Professor Emeritus of Law, to co-authored a book that he hopes will help prevent people from being confused, abused or losing time and money. 

"I have always been interested in the public aspect of law and in making law accessible," Hegland said. 

"New Times, New Challenges: Law and Advice for Savvy Seniors and Their Families," Hegland's latest book, was written with Robert B. Fleming. Fleming is an elder law attorney with Fleming & Curti, PLC., which is located in Tucson.

Both authors will discuss issues facing seniors during a book signing on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Tucson's Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave.

It is the second book Hegland and Fleming have co-authored. "Alive and Kicking: Legal Advice for Boomers" was published in 2007 covering issues related to retirement.

The new, 308-page book, which was published in December by Carolina Academic Press, is much more comprehensive, including expanded information as a result of new research and new laws. 

"There is a lot of information that people need to know right away – about retirement, living wills and choosing a doctor," said Hegland, who specializes in elder law.  

The publishing company noted that the book contains "practical insights of an elder law lawyer" covering a vast range of topics, including finances, housing, hospice care, Medicare, elder abuse and age discrimination, scams,  disability and also issues related to cultural and social shifts.

But it's not entirely a how-to book, Hegland said. It also is meant to shift the ways in which people think about aging.

"And, in a way, it is a reference book," he said. "You don't have to read the whole book to get what you need." 

The authors discuss a range of issues that can be both difficult and emotional for families, such as elder abuse and dealing with death. 

The book will not only benefit seniors and their families, but also students, lawyers, social workers and other professionals, he added.

"There is an awful lot of advice, and it is not strictly legal advice," Hegland said. "These things apply to all of us."

Extra info

What

Hegland and Robert B. Fleming Book Signing

Where

Antigone Books, 411 N. Fourth Ave.

When

Feb. 5, 7 p.m.

UA law professor Kenney F. Hegland speaks about living wills in part one and part two of a video posted on YouTube.com. Hegland intends to publish additional videos related to content in his newly published book. The video was produced by Carlos Terrazas, a video producer in Tucson.

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Resources for the media

Kenney F. Hegland

James E. Rogers College of Law

520-621-1285

hegland@law.arizona.edu