Older Americans Month Focuses Attention on Older Family and Future Aging

Since 1963 May has been a month to honor older Americans. The challenges aging has on families and finances are numerous. Honoring older adults and planning for future aging will benefit everyone.

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Older Americans Month Focuses Attention on Older Family and Future Aging
2 Min Read May 1st, 2022

In 1963, only 17 million Americans had reached their 65th birthday. It was in 1963 when Older Americans Month was established. A meeting in April of 1963 between President John F. Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to the designation of May being a month to acknowledge the contributions of past and current older persons to our country, in particular those who defended our country. 

President Biden says that older adults have always been a vital source of strength and resilience in America.

"During Older Americans Month, we honor our nation's seniors and the tremendous impact they have made in helping build a more perfect Union. Older Americans contribute their time and wisdom to make our communities stronger, more informed, and better connected. They are our loved ones, friends, mentors, essential workers, volunteers, and neighbors. We celebrate their achievements and recommit to providing our elders with the support and services they need to thrive and age with dignity," President Biden said in a proclamation on Older Americans Month, 2022.

Every President since Kennedy has issued a formal proclamation during or before May asking that the entire nation pay tribute to older people in their communities.

Older Americans Month is celebrated nationwide through ceremonies, events, fairs, and other activities. Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the country's observance of Older Americans Month. 

Aging in Place

Older Americans Month

This year ACL is focusing on aging in place – how older individuals can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. This year's theme is Age My Way, a chance for everyone to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities.

In 2021 the theme was "Communities of Strength." which celebrated the strength of older adults and the aging network. In 2020 the theme was "Make Your Mark," highlighting the difference people can make in supporting caregivers and strengthening communities. 

Time to Focus on Older Family Members – Think About Our Own Aging

Every year's theme allows us to focus on older loved ones and how we can celebrate their contributions and support them as they get older. A growing number of people are 65 and older, and aging has many consequences on families and finances due to declining health, mobility problems, and cognitive decline due to dementia. 

Note: The table above is cropped, and the margin of error columns are hidden. Click on the image for the full table.

President Biden noted that 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, the first federal program that supported the well-being of older Americans through meal deliveries, nutrition services, educational programs, and counseling.

2022 is also the 10th anniversary of the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease. 

President Biden

"During Older Americans Month, let us pay tribute to the seniors who raised and guided us throughout our lives, and let us renew our commitment to honoring their contributions by giving them the fullest care, support, and respect they deserve," Biden said.

American families face the costs and burdens of long-term health care, which adversely impact income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy. Many family members become caregivers due to a lack of financial resources to pay for professional care. The job of being a caregiver is stressful and physically demanding. 

Long-Term Care is a Growing Concern

Health insurance, including Medicare, pay little toward the costs of long-term care services. Medicaid is the primary payer of long-term health care in the United States, but the program only helps those with little or no income and assets. 

Many people don't consider Long-Term Care Insurance until it is too late, as policies are medically underwritten. While most people who obtain coverage do so in their 50s, coverage is not available to those with specific pre-existing health problems. 

May is a good time not only to honor older adults in your life but to plan for your longevity. Long-Term Care Insurance can be a planning solution for many families, giving you access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care. 

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Editor's Note

You probably have woken up, gone to the bathroom, looked at yourself in the mirror, and asked yourself, "Where have the years gone?" Every day we get a day older, and without proper preparation, we could find our families in crisis, trying to deal with our aging issues.

We would like to think we will avoid the consequences of aging, but most of us will need help with daily living activities or supervision due to dementia.

Long-term health care costs are rising rapidly, and the financial impact of professional long-term health care can dramatically change our lifestyle and legacy.

Don't think your adult children will be able to care for you properly. Your loved ones have their lives, careers, and family responsibilities. Trying to juggle caregiving with those other responsibilities isn't easy and physically and emotionally demanding.

Properly prepare by adding a Long-Term Care Insurance policy to your retirement plan. You will have access to your choice of quality care services, including in-home care, without draining assets. Your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of caregivers.

Don't delay investigating your options for future long-term health care. You must have reasonably good health to get Long-Term Care Insurance. Most people obtain their coverage in their 50s since premiums are lower and their health is better. Every insurance company has its own underwriting rules and pricing.

Seek Professional Planning Help

Experts recommend seeking the help of a qualified and experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you find the right coverage. A specialist will match your age, health, and family history with the right coverage at the right price. 

Long-term care is a very specialized area, and few insurance agents and financial advisors have the expertise. Find a specialist who represents the top companies as premiums can vary over 100% between insurance companies. Leading specialists will often have over 500 clients with Long-Term Care Insurance.

A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Planning Tools and Resources Available on LTC NEWS

Planning for the future is never easy, but long-term health care planning can be very complicated and comes with many emotions. Getting the right tools and resources will make the process much easier.

One of the goals is to reduce the stress and anxiety usually placed on your family at the time of crisis. LTC NEWS can be beneficial in providing you with important information for you to consider.

LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:

Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

 Finding Quality Care for Mom or Dad

If your family is already in crisis and you need to find help for mom or dad, LTC NEWS can help. We have put together several comprehensive guides to help you in your process.

Start by reading our four guides -  

If your loved one is lucky enough to own a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure they use it. Sometimes families wait, thinking they can save the benefits for a rainy day. Waiting on using available Long-Term Care Insurance benefits is not a wise idea. 

Get Help in Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim

Many insurance companies have issued Long-Term Care Insurance policies over the years. Filing a claim can sometimes be complicated unless you know what to do or get expert help and assistance. 

Don't allow the claim process to stop you from using the benefits available in an LTC policy. Quality care obtained early will help provide a better quality of life and reduce the risk of a deep decline and facility care. 

If you need help in starting the process of a Long-Term Care Insurance claim, LTC NEWS can help. LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. We have teamed up with Amada Senior Care, who will do all the work - free with no obligation. 

Get help finding quality caregivers or long-term care facilities and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Benefits of Reverse Mortgages 

Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance. You might be eligible at younger ages as well. 

Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, and even help with cash flow during your retirement. 

Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages. 

- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.

Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS - Share Your Knowledge 

LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world. 

You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.

Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other English-speaking nations. 

Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS. 

You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive to LTC NEWS and not 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 - LTC News Contributors | LTC News

LTC NEWS - Your Marketing and Advertising Partner 

Use LTC NEWS to drive traffic to your website and help you attract people interested in your products and services. Plus, you can improve your website's SEO so more consumers can find you when they search for your products and services.

There are various marketing options available with LTC NEWS. Traditional advertising, sponsored content articles, strategic alliances, and more are available. 

Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.

Shared Links

LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.

Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.

You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.

Sharing News with LTC NEWS 

Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com  

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