Do You Itch? Know the Signs of an Underlying Medical Problem
You can usually blame dry skin if you are itching all over. Maybe an allergy. However, ignoring skin itching could be overlooking a health issue that needs to be addressed.
Hormonal conditions, kidney disease, infections, diabetes, thyroid function, psoriasis, and cancer causes itchiness. Your itching could be from insect bites or shingles, although it is often just allergic dermatitis.
The Cleveland Clinic says dry skin is often to blame for the itch, but not always.
Aging - Skin and Itching
Just getting older can cause dry and itching skin. While this is a problem for many adults, as we get older, our skin changes. We tend to lose oil glands that help us keep our skin soft.
Some people will suffer from dry spots on their skin. Generally, you will find these dry spots on the lower leg, elbow, and lower arms.
If your itching does not resolve on its own, don't hesitate to see a doctor. If it is more than just dry skin, treating the underlining condition is essential. If your itching is just dry skin, there are many ways to treat it to give you relief, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Have You Planned for Longevity?
If you have an itch to enjoy a successful retirement, advance planning is required. Hopefully, you put money away in your employer's 401k or 403b, maybe put extra money into other savings and investments. Do you think you are prepared?
What is protecting your 401(k) from the financial costs and burdens of aging? Your body and health have changed in the past twenty years. In the next twenty-plus years there will be more changes in health, body, and mind. There is a good chance you will need long-term care services at some point, and this extended care is expensive and places a tremendous burden on your family.
The fact is the most significant risk to your future retirement savings is the need for long-term care. This is the type of care you will need when you require help with daily living activities, known as ADLs. It can also be supervision due to memory problems like Alzheimer's. The need for extended health-care is not always limited to older people. With the advances in medical science we survive health events and accidents more today than ever before. This means we are also living longer, so just aging can lead to long-term care as well.
LTC Insurance Offers Guaranteed Tax-Free Benefits
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will safeguard your 401(k) and other assets from the financial costs and burdens that come with getting older. When you have a policy in place you will have access to your choice of quality care in your own home or in a facility.
Thinking about getting older or needing extended care may make your skin crawl, but you can reduce the stress and pressure on you and your family by having a plan ready.
Learn more about your options by using the resources on LTC NEWS. You can use the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator to see the current and future cost of care services where you live.
Plan Before Retirement and Seek Help from a Specialist
The best time to plan is before you retire when you enjoy fairly good health. Be sure to seek the help of a trusted and qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Most insurance agents and financial advisors are not experienced in this area.