Thriving and Living Longer at Age 100+

The fastest-growing age demographic in America is 90+ and many living to 100+. Preparing for the changes in your health, body, and mind is essential for obtaining future quality care and asset protection.

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Thriving and Living Longer at Age 100+
3 Min Read January 21st, 2016 Updated:February 2nd, 2021

One of the many things the COVID-19 virus crisis has done is to spotlight aging in America. More people than ever before are reaching the ripe old age of 100. While the COVID-19 has negatively impacted older Americans, there are still many people reaching age 100.

The total number of Americans over the age of 100 is up by 44 percent since 2000, according to a federal report released in 2016. The Census Bureau says the centenarian population has grown more than 65% nationwide over the past three decades.

More Americans are Getting Old

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 72,197 centenarians were living in America in 2014, up from 50,281 in 2000. The census indicates these numbers are increasing.

These centenarians are living even longer. Death rates declined for all demographic groups of centenarians — white, black, Hispanic, female, male — in the six years ending in 2014, the report said. Women, who typically live longer than men, accounted for the overwhelming majority of centenarians in 2014: more than 80 percent.

The US Census has already reported the 90+ age group was the fastest-growing age demographic in the United States. As more American's age and live longer than ever expected, it presents several issues many people have not planned for, including retirement funding and long-term health care costs. Many people are not prepared to live long and deal with extended care issues.

Longevity Means Higher Risk of Long-Term Health Care

Longevity is increasing our risk of needing long-term health care. We experience changes in our health, bodies, and minds as we get older. Some of these changes will lead to our need for help with daily activities or supervision due to cognitive decline.

These extended care costs are not paid for by Medicare or health insurance, including Medicare Supplements. This places pressure on a person's future retirement plan, which not only has to last an increased lifespan but now must address the costs of unbudgeted Long Term Health Care.

A White House report on aging indicates private options are available to address the costs of extended care. These options include Long-Term Care Insurance, life insurance with LTC riders, reverse equity mortgages, and annuities with LTC riders. These products are available to help some people plan ahead to pay for their future care without losing their assets and becoming dependent on Medicaid or their families.

Prepare Family and Finances Before You Retire

Experts suggest you start planning for 'long life' early in life. Contribute to your employer's 401(k) plan and leave the money alone. Don't be tempted to take the money out for other reasons … it is for your 'golden years,' and you will need the money if you live to 100+.

The other planning tool is Long-Term Care Insurance. Premiums are based on age and health when you get the plan. Planning early, well before retirement, allows you to get a very affordable plan.

Those 'golden years' can be much more golden with some advance planning. The good news is we are living longer. The bad news is that we are living longer. 

Experts suggest planning in your 40s or 50s since Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten. You will have more options, and those options will be much more affordable.

Get help with shopping and get accurate quotes from a Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Find a trusted and experienced specialist by clicking here.

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About the Author

An LTC News author focusing on long-term care and aging.

LTC News Contributor James Kelly

James Kelly

Contributor since August 21st, 2017

Editor's Note

Prepare for the challenges that come with getting older. The costs and burdens of aging will change our lifestyles and create dependency on family members unless we prepare before we get older and experience significant health changes.

Planning for Long-Term Care is Key to Successful Retirement

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance will give help you avoid dependence on your family in addition to protecting your income and assets. You will have access to your choice of quality care, including in-home care, which most people prefer. 

Many of today's Long-Term Care Insurance policies may even pay for technology in the future that may not even be on the drawing boards today.

The cost of long-term health care is expensive. Long-Term Care Insurance safeguards your income and assets and reduces the stress and burdens otherwise placed on your loved ones. 

Research Tools on LTC NEWS

LTC NEWS offers many resources to learn about the available options and learn about long-term health care issues. Click here and discover these resources. 

This comprehensive guide is an outstanding first-read -  The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide. Be sure to take notes so you can ask the appropriate questions when you speak with a qualified and trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist.

This conversation is one you should have with a specialist as most financial advisors or insurance agents lack the knowledge required in underwriting, policy design, tax implications, and claims. Find a specialist who works with the major companies by clicking here.

Discussion Points with a Specialist

When you speak with a specialist, be sure they discuss with you the following:

  • Partnership – Most states offer special policies that provide dollar-for-dollar asset protection. The Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program might be one of the best-kept secrets in retirement planning. Make sure the specialist explains this program and how it might help you.
  • Tax incentives – There are federal tax incentives available for some people. If you own your own business, be sure to ask.
  • Health Savings Accounts – If you have an HSA, you can use the pre-tax money in your account to pay for the premium.
  • Asset-Based or Hybrid policies – These are life insurance or annuities with a rider for long-term care. Careful, only a handful are actually a long-term care benefit. However, one of these policies can provide you with the flexibility of both a long-term care benefit or a death benefit. They are expensive but can be paid with a single premium.
  • Health and Family History - Make sure the specialist asks you detailed questions about your health, family history, and retirement plans. Underwriting criteria vary with each insurance company. If they are not asking you detailed questions, then find another specialist.

LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator

Take a moment and find the current and future costs of long-term care where you live. This information helps you see the financial impact of long-term care on your savings and helps you decide the amount of coverage appropriate for you in your situation. 

Find your state and use the LTC NEWS cost of care calculator by clicking here.

Be Published on LTC NEWS

LTC NEWS offers many resources to help families address the consequences of long-term care, aging, health, caregiving, and other retirement issues. You can be part of the effort to help educate consumers throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Write a story for publication on LTC NEWS and let America hear what you have to say. Be sure your article fits the LTC NEWS target audience of adults 40-70.

Topics can include stories on:

  • Aging
  • Caregiving
  • Health
  • Long-Term Care
  • Retirement Planning

You can write a story for publication on LTC NEWS and let America hear what you have to say. Be sure your article fits the LTC NEWS target audience of adults 40-70. Topics can include stories on several topics, including aging, caregiving, health and fitness, long-term care, retirement planning, and more.

There are numerous other related topics, as well. You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. It must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.

Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com or click here

Marketing and Advertising on LTC NEWS

Readers of LTC NEWS are researching retirement issues, including aging, health, caregiving, and long-term care. Other readers seek information for a parent or other loved one who is experiencing declining health or aging issues and require extended care.  

There are many marketing opportunities available, including sponsored content articles. Sponsored content offers you a long-form way to sell yourself, your company, and your ideas.

LTC NEWS can be an affordable way to drive consumers to your website or business - or promote products and services.

Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business - click here.

 

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