Retirees Not Realistic in Planning for Possibility of Long-Term Care

Getty Images, Rosemary Calver

In a recent survey from the Society of Actuaries respondents were asked about the changing nature of healthcare delivery and the ability to pay for long-term care. Though 93% said that pursuing a healthy lifestyle is their primary risk-management strategy, the report suggests that this is their ideal view not the realistic one. 

Only 32% of retirees and 20% of pre-retirees said they have begun saving for the possibility of needing long-term care. Less than half—46%—of retirees say they are worried about not being able to afford a nursing home stay. When it comes to planning for major financial decisions, 80% of people do not look more than 20 years ahead, according to the report. Only 5% plan past their lifetime. 

More information on the report is available at the Society of Actuaries website. http://www.soa.org/