Who is at risk for needing long-term care?
Everyone is potentially at risk. A national study found that almost 70% of people turning 65 will need some long-term care. Women are at a higher risk than men with 79% of women turning 65 needing some long-term care, and 58% of men turning 65 needing some long-term care. Among those turning 65, over half will need long-term care for at least one year, and 20% will need more than five years of care. Thirty-one percent of Americans will not need long-term care in their lifetime. Source: “Americans Fail to Act on Long Term Care Protection,” American Society on Aging, May 2003.
