Survey Said: You’re Old at Age 47?
The survey results are in, and Americans say they start feeling old at age 47. A survey commissioned by Elysium Health spoke to two thousand Americans over the age of 40. The results said Americans start feeling old once you reach age 47. By the time they get to age 50, they start worrying about age-related illnesses.
Growing old is a big concern with Americans, with 65% saying aging is one of their biggest worries. One of the most significant aging fears is a cognitive decline, with 64% of those surveyed expressed concern about memory loss.
Brain health is a significant concern, and two-thirds suggesting that their memory had already declined from what it once was when they were younger. Over half of those surveyed said they often forget names, forget birthdays, and lose track of their thoughts throughout the day.
Elysium Health CEO Eric Marcotulli said that more than half of the survey respondents understood that excessive alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and lack of sleep all accelerate the rate of brain-related problems that come with aging. However, only 41% thought that poor eating habits had any impact on brain health.
“Unfortunately, it is not surprising that most people do not associate dietary choices with long-term brain health. Despite the general understanding that omega-3s are good for brain health, 80% of Americans do not get the two weekly servings of fatty fish recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” Marcotulli explained.
Changes in Health, Body, and Mind Have Consequences
The results should not be surprising as we should notice changes in our health, body, and mind as we get older. Many of these changes get worse as we get older. These changes often lead to the need for help with daily activities and supervision due to some form of dementia.
Despite the concern about aging and the consequences of getting older, not everyone is planning for the financial costs and related burdens of getting older. Some people are unaware that health insurance will not pay for future long-term care services. The result of long-term care will have a significant impact on both family and finances.
Family caregivers face enormous stress and anxiety. Typically, they are unprepared and untrained to provide the care. They are forced into the role of being a caregiver, and as a result, it impacts their career and family.
Long-Term Health Care Can Wipe Out Assets
The cost of paid long-term care services adversely impacts income and changes lifestyle and legacy. While many people think of nursing homes, which according to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, can run over $100,000 a year, most extended care is provided at home. In-home care is also expensive.
More American families are addressing these concerns by purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance in their 40 or 50s. Premiums are much less expensive at these ages. However, LTC Insurance is medically underwritten, so the younger you are, the more likely you can qualify for coverage.
Long-Term Care Insurance is comprehensive. The policies provide guaranteed tax-free benefits for all levels and types of care in the setting you desire. There are also tax incentives available for some people and businesses.
The survey said people are less concerned about changes in their looks than they are concerned with changes in their health and mind. Planning for the consequences of aging should be top-of-mind as a critical item for retirement planning.