Who Needs Long-Term Care?

70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of long-term care during their lives. There are a number of factors that increase your chances of needing long-term care:

Age

  • The older you are, the more likely you will need long-term care.

Gender

  • Women outlive men by about five years on average and are more likely to live at home alone when they are older.

Disability*

  • Having an accident or chronic illness that causes a disability.
  • At age 40, the average length of disability is 42 months, with the possibility of long-term disability at 3 of 10.
  • At age 50, the average length of disability is 50 months, with the possibility of long-term disability at 5 of 22.
  • 69 percent of people age 90 or more have a disability.

*Once you reach age 65, most disability policies end.

Health Status

  • Chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
  • Family history, such as whether your parents or grandparents had chronic conditions.
  • Poor diet and exercise habits.

Living Arrangements

  • If you live alone, you’re more likely to need paid care than if you’re married, or single, and living with a partner.

 

More Resources

Who needs LTC?

How much care will you need?

Who pays for LTC?

Where can you receive care?