We are all aging, but we are not all planning...

More than half of individuals 65 and older will need long term care for at least 1 year of their life, yet only 4 in 10 adults in the United States have given much thought to their long-term care needs. Only 17% of older adults have a written plan, and 30% have not even had a discussion with anyone about their future care needs (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & National Institute on Aging).

Why?

There are several reasons why people may avoid planning for their aging needs:

1.????Denial: Some people may avoid thinking about their aging needs because it reminds them of their mortality. They may prefer to live in the present and ignore the possibility of future health issues.

2.????Fear: Planning for aging needs can be overwhelming and may bring up fears of losing independence, declining health, and financial insecurity.

3.????Lack of information: Many people are not aware of the available resources and options for planning for aging needs, which can make the process seem daunting and confusing.

4.????Procrastination: Planning for aging needs can be a long-term process that requires time and effort, and some people may simply put it off until it is too late.

5.????Financial constraints: Many people may avoid planning for aging needs due to financial constraints or a lack of resources. They may not feel that they have the means to invest in long-term care or may have limited access to healthcare services.

6. Cultural Expectations: Some cultures including Native American, Asian, Hispanic and African American put a strong emphasis on family and community caregiving roles.

Overall, planning for aging needs requires a proactive and thoughtful approach, and it is important to address any concerns or fears that may be preventing people from taking action. It is also important to recognize that planning for aging needs is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires ongoing attention and adjustment. We cannot control every aspect of one's aging journey, but we can take measures to plan for more desirable outcomes than the gamble that is avoiding the inevitable.