Who Needs 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.