THE GRAYING OF AMERICA.

The article examines the impact of the rise in the aged population in the U.S. on the accounting practice and profession. The average American is growing older and CPA firms will be among those that feel the effects of this phenomenon, which will include changes in clients, employees, physical facilities and services. Professional services and issues that will take on increased importance include estate planning, succession planning and strategic planning consulting for businesses that must adapt to the needs of older people. New services and traditional ones with a different emphasis will be earned out in offices designed to facilitate client mobility and professional productivity. Services may be offered in a variety of places, including the client's home or the professional's home office. Firms may have to reevaluate how they create and fund increasingly costly employee retirement and healthcare plans. Mandatory retirement policies may end or be replaced by flextime programs for older professionals. Firm members may change specialties, while others may enter the profession after another career. INSET: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.