Balding, Aging and Long-Term Care

Experts suggest men are usually more in denial about aging and longevity issues, at least initially, than women are. This is true especially about balding. More men are impacted by hair loss. Often this is the first sign in their minds of "getting older."

Hair means a lot to most men, and recent advances offer hope in treating and preventing different types of baldness. However, sometimes baldness can indicate a health problem or lead to depression.

It appears men can blame their mothers. Research conducted in 2017 identified the genetics of baldness. The genetic variants were identified to predict a man's chance of severe hair loss. The University of Edinburgh scientists examined genomic and health data from over 52,000 male participants, which pointed genetically to mothers.

Saskia Hagenaars, from The University of Edinburgh's Center for Cognitive Aging and Cognitive Epidemiology, who jointly led the research, said that this new knowledge could lead to drug development to treat baldness.

"We identified hundreds of new genetic signals. It was interesting to find that many of the genetic signals for male pattern baldness came from the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers."

About 70% of men will lose hair as they get older. Mayo Clinic says that half of the men in the world experience hair loss by age 50. And 25% of bald men see the first signs of hair loss before age 21. 

While most baldness may be genetic, there could be several health issues that can affect the hair on your head. Baldness affecting the crown of the head (vertex) is associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease. Experts suggest speaking with your doctor to discuss your hair loss.

Science May Help

Mayo dermatologist Amy Kassouf, MD says that hair follicles can now be grown in a lab. Some researchers are studying new cancer treatments that make hair grow instead of falling out.

"Recent advances offer a lot of hope in both treating and preventing different types of baldness."

Male pattern baldness has been seen as a leading cause of depression in men. The loss of hair on their head means more than just how they look for some men. For some people, aging can cause depression and anxiety, in addition to general declining health. How you look can improve your general mood.

While aging requires planning to deal with the reality of longevity and its impact on your savings and lifestyle, science may have devised a way to end balding. It might not change the fact we are getting older, but we might feel better about ourselves.

There are several medications and treatments that are available today to treat baldness. More men are seeking solutions to their hair loss.

According to a new research report, a chemical typically used to cook McDonald's french fries could possibly cure signs of baldness.

Researchers at Yokohama National University in Japan released a study that found using a chemical called dimethylpolysiloxane, which is found in silicone and added to the oil used to cook the fast food giant's fries, can mass produce hair follicles in mice.

This doesn't mean you should run out and order some fries just for hair loss, but the future for the top of your head may look better.

Aging and Declining Health

Having a full head of hair does not solve the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of long-term health care that come with longevity. With age, we start to notice a decline in our overall health. We begin to have mobility problems compared to when we were young. For some, the mobility issues are more pronounced. As we get older, some people will have a decline in their memory. All of this leads to a higher risk of needing help with daily living activities or supervision due to dementia. 

Long-term health care needs can lead to financial and family problems. Many families are unaware that health insurance, including Medicare and supplements, will not pay for most long-term health care. That alone could cause you to lose some hair on your head. 

Medicaid will provide long-term health care, but only if you have little or no income and assets. This leaves your family, your savings, or if you are lucky enough, Long-Term Care Insurance to provide future long-term care services.

With the rising cost of long-term care services, you better be prepared for the financial impact. You can't place the burden of caregiving on adult children as they are neither trained nor prepared for this demanding job - plus, they have their careers, families, and other responsibilities. 

LTC Insurance An Answer

Long-Term Care Insurance will help. Your policy will safeguard your retirement accounts (401(k) IRA 403(b) SEP) while reducing the burdens that are placed on family members. Long-Term Care Insurance will provide the resources for quality care at home or in adult day care, assisted living, memory care, or the traditional nursing home. You remain in control.

Since several states are implementing an LTC tax on residents that do not own a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policy. These policies are very affordable, especially if you act before you retire. What this means is the time to act is now if you want to avoid a future tax, in addition to protecting your family and finances from the costs and burdens of aging.

Seek the help of a Long-Term Care specialist to help you shop and design an affordable plan to address the financial costs and burdens of aging. Meanwhile, don't supersize your fries just for hair loss!