Aches, Anxiety, and Exhaustion - Only About Half of Brits Feel Good
Aches and pains - it seems many of us have them. Feeling a little blue? Have some pain and discomfort? Lots of people are depressed or suffer from anxiety. We have more aches as we get older. The aging process adds to the decline in our health, body, and mind.
How are you feeling lately? There seems to be a lot of angst these days. People have a lot to worry about, be it inflation and economic concerns, possible expansion of the war in Ukraine, COVID-19, and other health problems.
A poll of 2,000 people in the United Kingdom shows that few people are really feeling good — both mentally and physically. Less than half of the adults in the U.K. surveyed said they were feeling good.
The poll, put together by MyVybe, a U.K.-based health supplement company, revealed that one in four respondents say they deal with anxiety at least once per week, and 40% struggle with muscle aches on most days. No matter if you live in the U.K., the United States, or elsewhere, we all have a little more worry these days.
Are You 'On Top of Your Game"?
Fifty-seven percent said they rarely feel "on top of their game" physically. Another 61% have accepted that aches and pains are part of their daily life.
When asked why they thought they were in such bad shape, the top responses were:
- not exercising enough
- poor diet
- not having enough hours in a day
Think You are Healthy?
Only 63% of those surveyed indicated they would consider themselves healthy. On a related note, 23% recently went on a diet, 41% started to get to bed earlier, and another 41% said they were drinking more water.
Some of this discomfort can be attributed to the consequences of aging. A recent survey of 2,000 adults in the United States found that nearly 70% of Americans wish they could replace one of their body parts with a new one that works better.
Thirty-eight percent say they would opt for a new back. Nearly three-fifths add they're "always" or "often" thinking about their pain more than whatever they're doing at the moment.
The 'Fragile Fifties'
Once most people get to their 50s, they start experiencing more aches and pains and declining health like high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes. Depression and chronic pain are highly prevalent in elderly populations, and the risks increase after age 50.
Pain is also associated with a higher rate of depression. Depression, anxiety, and pain can all lead to long-term health care. Declining health, mobility problems, dementia, and the frailties of aging gradually increase with aging and lead to an individual needing help with routine living activities.
Planning for the Consequences of Aging
Most people have not planned for the consequences of aging, yet many have already experienced health-related issues which increase their risk of needing long-term health care over time.
Due to the lack of planning, many people pay for long-term health care or have their adult children become their caregivers. Many people ignore the problem or assume health insurance or Medicare pays for long-term health care. The result is a family crisis.
More people are aware of the need to plan for aging and long-term health care but fail to act. You can only obtain LTC Insurance coverage when you have reasonably good health. Most people who buy LTC Insurance do so in their 50s; those who wait often discover they are not eligible due to pre-existing health, or the costs become prohibitive.
The Cleveland Clinic says that depression, disability, and chronic illness form a vicious circle. Chronic illness can bring on bouts of depression, which, in turn, can lead to a rundown of physical health that interferes with the successful treatment of the chronic condition.
Being proactive with your physical and mental health will improve the process of aging, but aging happens. Being prepared for the costs and burdens of longevity will enhance your quality of life, health, and financial situation.
About the Author
Linda is a former journalist who now enjoys writing about topics she is interested in so she “can keep her mind active and engaged”.
Linda Maxwell
Contributor since December 11th, 2017
Editor's Note
The numbers of people getting older are overwhelming. Once you get into your 40s, you usually understand that aging needs a plan. Part of retirement planning requires a solution for future declining health, mobility problems, and dementia.
The consequences of aging are numerous and affect you, your family, and your finances. Dependence on family caregivers is unrealistic due to the physical and emotional demands that these caregivers face. Attempting to juggle jobs, families, and caregiving isn't easy, which is an understatement.
Long-term health care costs are exploding, and inflation is adding to these costs. Greater demand for services, higher labor costs, and increasing general cost of doing business all play into these increasing costs.
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows the current and future financial impact. However, long-term health care is more than just about money. The quality of care, quality of life, and the impact on loved ones are all concerns. Without a plan, your family is in crisis.
Long-Term Care Insurance will provide the guaranteed tax-free benefits that give you access. Access to quality care services in your desired setting - including at home. Your income, assets, lifestyle, and legacy will be protected. You will enjoy the quality of care you deserve. Your loved ones will have the time to be family and not caregivers.
Some people believe they can wait until they need a plan. However, don't delay. Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten, so you must have reasonably good health to qualify for coverage. Premiums are calculated in part by your age when you obtain your policy - the younger, the better.
Most people get Long-Term Care Insurance coverage in their 50s to take advantage of lower costs and easier underwriting. You might have questions about long-term health care planning and LTC NEWS answers many of the most asked questions here - Frequently Asked Questions | LTC News.
Seek Professional Help Planning for Long-Term Care
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:
The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state-specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Need Help Now 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 Assistance 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.
Advantages 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. Mike Banner, 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.
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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.
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Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
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Learn more about how LTC NEWS can help you market your business, drive traffic, and improve SEO - Advertise With Us | LTC News.
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