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.