These Simple Activities Can Slow Your Brain’s Decline
More than 6 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer's in 2022. The incidence of the disease is rising in line with the aging population. Experts say about a half-million Americans younger than age 65 have some form of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Of the Americans with Alzheimer's, an estimated 6.2 million people are age 65 and older, and over 200,000 individuals are under age 65 (younger-onset Alzheimer's). One in nine people age 65 and older has Alzheimer's disease, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is one of the main reasons people require Long-Term Care, and the cost of that care is substantial and can wipe out assets and impact the family.
Chart reflects 2019 numbers.
Can You Do Anything About Dementia Ahead of Time?
So is there anything you can do to delay or prevent suffering from cognitive decline? Yes, you can plan ahead for the impact that dementia can have on your savings and your family. But besides that, can you avoid or delay memory loss? Now there's encouraging news for you.
A study completed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic's Scottsdale, Arizona, campus shows that such simple activities as playing a good game of chess or arts and crafts can hold off mental decline well into your 70s and beyond. You can read more about the study by clicking here.
The Harvard Health Letter suggests several other things you can do now. These include:
Exercise
Harvard experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate excise several times a week.
Eat a Mediterranean Diet
The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains; olive oil; nuts; legumes; fish, poultry, eggs, dairy, moderate amounts of red wine, and red meat only sparingly.
Get Enough Sleep
Seven to eight hours of sleep each night is recommended.
Are You Prepared for the Financial Costs and Burdens of Aging?
Caregiving is hard on family members. According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 15.3 billion hours of informal, unpaid care was provided by caregivers in 2021 alone for those who suffer from some type of dementia. This unpaid care is valued at almost $257 billion. Many unpaid caregivers must leave their jobs or reduce their hours, impacting their families and careers, not to mention their health due to the stress of being a caregiver.
The unpaid care is only a part of the equation since that number doesn't account for the billions of paid care services either in a person's home or in a facility.
Most paid professional care is not covered by health insurance or Medicare. Medicaid is often the payor of these services, but only if you have little or no income and assets. Only Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for these extended care services.
Planning for Long-Term Care is Essential
Yes, one other thing you should do is make plans to safeguard your savings and income from the high cost of long-term care. People require long-term care services for many reasons, in addition to supervision required because of dementia.
People require long-term care due to an illness, accident, or just the impact of longevity. Since we are living longer lives planning for long-term health care and its consequences is a critical part of your retirement planning.
Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides the resources for your choice of quality caregivers as it eases the burdens extended care can have on your family.
Consequences Impact You, Family, and Finances
You work hard and save money for your future retirement. The time to protect that money and make sure you never become a burden on your loved ones is before you retire. Learn how easy and affordable a plan can be so you and your family and enjoy a successful retirement with peace of mind.
Tax-Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance provides regulated triggers and tax-free benefits. Some "hybrid" or life insurance policies with an accelerated death benefit don't meet this requirement.
There are several tax incentives available as well, including the ability to you pre-tax money from your Health Savings Account to pay for the premiums.
LTC Insurance is Dependable
The economy changes, often without notice. Inflation, international events, domestic politics all adversely impact your savings when you least expect it.
Depend on the guaranteed tax-free resources of Long-Term Care Insurance. You can control only a few things in life, but you can depend on an LTC policy to deliver you access to your choice of quality care and peace of mind to your family.
Start Research Before You Retire
Start your research by finding the current and future cost of long-term care services in your area by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. You will find the current and future cost of long-term health care services in all settings based on where you live. Understand that these costs are increasing rapidly due to increasing demand and higher labor costs.
Most people obtain coverage in their 50s. Find an experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options.
Too many American families ignore this issue until a health event happens to either themselves or a loved one. Give yourself and your family peace of mind by adding an LTC policy before you retire.