For many retirees, the idea of needing long-term care can be unsettling. Media headlines and personal stories often paint a grim picture of nursing homes, lost independence, and overwhelming costs. It's no wonder that the fear of becoming a burden makes some retirees hesitant to spend their retirement savings, even when they can afford to.
A recent study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College helps cut through the noise by examining the lifetime long-term care needs of today’s 65-year-olds. The results are more balanced and more encouraging than you might expect.
The Big Picture: Not Everyone Needs Extensive Care
The researchers analyzed over 20 years of data to determine how many people experience minimal, moderate, or severe long-term care needs during retirement. Here's what they found:
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About 1 in 5 retirees will need no long-term care at all.
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Roughly 1 in 4 will have severe care needs.
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The remaining 55% fall somewhere in the middle, with either minimal or moderate needs that are often temporary and manageable.
Severe needs—defined as those requiring help with multiple basic tasks (like bathing or eating) for a period of three or more years—are the kind most people fear. But they are not the norm.
Care Needs Vary Based on Your Health and Life Circumstances
The likelihood of needing care depends a lot on your personal situation:
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Married individuals are less likely to experience severe needs, often thanks to spousal support.
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Those with higher education levels tend to need less support.
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People in excellent or very good health at age 65 have a 30% chance of avoiding care altogether.
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Those reporting fair or poor health have a significantly higher likelihood (32%) of needing severe long-term care.
What This Means for Your Retirement
Long-term care is not a one-size-fits-all risk. While some may need years of daily assistance, many others may only require occasional help from family or a short-term recovery period.
The key takeaway? There’s no need to make decisions out of fear—but thoughtful planning is essential.
Understanding the range of possible outcomes allows you to make informed choices about how you spend, save, and prepare. This could mean:
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Incorporating flexibility into your retirement income plan
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Exploring ways to offset future care costs
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Having candid conversations with loved ones
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Prioritizing your health and independence
Long-term care planning isn’t about predicting the future. Instead it’s about being prepared for the possibilities. If this topic has been on your mind, let’s talk. Whether you’re just starting to think through these issues or ready to take action, we're here to help you put a plan in place that supports your goals and your peace of mind.
