Mary Tyler Moore: Victim of a Common Disease of Older Adults

Pneumonia kills more than 50,000 Americans each year, most of them age 65 and older. Actress Mary Tyler Moore's death in January of 2017 at the age of 80 got many people to pay attention.

Moore died of cardiopulmonary disease and pneumonia. Her death served as a reminder that older adults are highly vulnerable to life-threatening infectious diseases. The problem is not limited to the elderly.

Pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by bacteria, a virus, or fungi. Pneumonia and its symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Many treatments for pneumonia are available. 

Treatment depends on the cause of your pneumonia, how severe your symptoms are, and your age and overall health. Most healthy people recover from pneumonia in one to three weeks, but pneumonia can be life-threatening.

People magazine reported that Mary Tyler Moore had was hospitalized with pneumonia resulting from complications of type 1 diabetes. Diabetes is a health complication that often leads to other health issues and long-term care. Read more about Mary Tyler Moore by clicking here. 

Young ESPN Reporter Dies

The sudden death of ESPN college football reporter Edward Aschoff also surprised many people. He passed away on Christmas Eve (December 24, 2019). 

According to ABC NEWS, he was initially diagnosed with pneumonia and started normal antibiotic treatment. However, his condition didn't improve; it became worse. 

Aschoff's fiancée, Katy Berteau, said that he died after receiving a "presumed diagnosis of HLH," hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. HLH is a very rare condition in which the immune system attacks itself and other healthy tissues.

No matter your age, your health can change at a moment's notice. Whether it takes many years or a few weeks, having a plan to address the impact of changing health is critical for planning. 

Long-Term Care Often Occurs With Illness, Accidents or Aging

What can you do to plan for the costs and burdens of aging or sudden health events or accidents which can lead to long-term care?

Many people are unaware that if you require long-term care services, like so many Americans do at some point in their lifetime, you will pay for care yourself unless you are poor or have Long-Term Care Insurance. 

Your Current Good Health Gives You Planning Options

You can not purchase Long-Term Care Insurance once you require care or after a severe health change. This is why experts suggest planning in your 40s or 50s when generally you still enjoy good health, and premiums are very affordable. 

You can start your research by utilizing the tools available on LTC NEWS. The LTC NEWS Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is a great read. Click here to read the guide. 

The LTC NEWS cost of care calculator will help you find both the current and future cost of care services where you live. Click here and find your location. 

Get Professional Help with Long-Term Care Planning

Be sure to get help from a trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who represents the major insurance companies. They are uniquely qualified to help you shop for the right plan and design coverage based on your age, health, family history, and other considerations. Click here and find your specialist. 

Long-Term Care Insurance is easy, affordable, and rate stable income and asset protection It will give your family the time to be family and not be burdens with being your future caregiver. It will also protect your lifestyle and legacy and provide you with control and independence.