Baby boomers are now in their 50s, 60s and 70s, as they age, baby boomers are dealing with the challenges of aging, and staying healthy.  Here are the top concerns of baby boomers, 10-6, the top five will follow next issue: 

#10.  Living Longer 

People are living longer than prior generations. With longevity comes increased risk of illness and long term care, and a fear of whether your life savings will last your lifetime. At Dennis Sullivan & Associates we hear these concerns every day and help families protect their home and life savings enabling people to receive care they need to live long, happy lives and preserve their life savings. 

#9. Bones, Joints & Mobility

Over 25% of boomer women have osteoporosis, and many more have bone and joint issues. As we age, the cartilage that cushions bones and joints break down, resulting in pain, swelling and stiffness called osteoarthritis. This is a top cause of disability in boomers. Prevention is key for osteoporosis, and daily exercise is crucial to maintaining joint flexibility. 

#8. Caregiver Strain

Baby boomers are in a unique position as many are caring not only for their own families, but also for aging relatives. This puts considerable stress on caregivers and can affect the mental and physical health of the caregivers and those they care for. It is paramount that caregivers take time to see to their physical and emotional well-being. If you would like to receive our caregiver strain index, call our office, it may help you and your family develop a plan to provide care and preserve resources in advance of a crisis.  

#7. Navigating Insurance 

Medicare plans offer many options, and as we’re in open enrollment season, boomers are being overwhelmed by the choices available to them. From Medicare supplements to long term care insurance, many do not even realize long term care is not covered by Medicare! Planning ahead is essential for navigating the complex insurance system and making sure you’ve got the coverage and protection you need. 

#6. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Age is the best-known risk factor for dementia. A 2011 study by the World Alzheimer’s Organization found that over 50% of those 80+ worldwide have some form of dementia. Over 5 million Americans were living with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013, by 2050 the CDC projects the number will be 14 million. When there is a dementia diagnosis, there is an increased need for long term care. Dementia robs a person of the ability to make their own decisions, so it is crucial that boomers have appointed health care decision makers via a Health Care Proxy/Living Will, authorize the release of information via a HIPAA release, and discuss the MOLST with your doctor. These documents are essential for everyone over the age of 18!

Dennis Sullivan & Associates has been assisting families in Massachusetts to protect their homes, families, health, legacy and life savings, for over 26 years to discover more, attend a free online discovery seminar and find more information at DSullivan.com.