As the senior population in the United States reaches 25% of the total population, we are seeing more seniors who are not thinking about the future. Even the people in the over-65 crowd who are in good health are still not preparing themselves. What should be in the back of every senior’s mind? Exercising, eating right, and saving for long-term care.
Many seniors claim to be feeling healthy, but they do not regularly exercise. Even if they are well now, they are putting themselves at risk for cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Even daily light exercise, such as walking or gardening, can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Eating right is important at any age, but even more so for seniors. It is estimated that nearly a quarter of all seniors are obese, which could lead to conditions affecting the heart, liver, and brain. Making good food choices will decrease the likelihood of these conditions and help the senior feel healthier overall.
Most healthy seniors don’t like to think about saving for long-term care. They put it off, avoiding it. But the reality is that 70% of seniors do end up in some long-term care situation, and that can be very expensive. Having a savings plan or a long-term care insurance plan can help him or her tackle the costs of care when they arise.
Thinking towards the future can greatly benefit a senior, creating greater independence and quality of life.