For many Americans, the goal of retirement isn’t just financial well-being, it’s the ability to remain at home, maintain their lifestyle and enjoy the independence of a secure, healthy future.
In fact, 88% of adults aged 50 to 80 say they want to age in place.1 Yet planning for the future often centers on the funding need for long-term care (LTC) services, rather than reducing the likelihood or extent of those needs from the outset.A more holistic approach is emerging that combines financial planning with proactive wellness, home environment factors and lifestyle habits. Together, these factors play a meaningful role in helping individuals — especially those preparing for or approaching retirement — maintain independence longer while managing the rising costs associated with aging.
| Heather Kane Senior Vice President — Sales and Marketing EquiTrust Life Insurance Company |
The reality is that long-term care is a significant consideration for most households. A recent study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College estimates that 80% of 65-year-olds will need varying levels of long-term care services at some point over their remaining lifetime.2 These services can be costly and emotionally taxing, whether they’re provided at home, in assisted living or in a nursing care facility.
The good news is that future care needs aren’t set in stone. When individuals take steps to support their physical, cognitive and social wellness, they may be able to delay the need for long-term care or reduce how intensive that care becomes.
A wellness-focused lifestyle can be a powerful tool in extending independence. Programs that emphasize physical activity, mental engagement and social connection help individuals stay sharp, mobile and confident as they age.
These efforts can translate into meaningful outcomes. Seniors who prioritize wellness may be able to maintain their ability to perform daily activities, reduce their risk of falls or chronic conditions, and preserve cognitive function longer. Over time, this can delay or reduce the need for LTC services, helping individuals remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.
Wellness initiatives can also make healthy habits more achievable. By turning simple, daily actions — like improving flexibility, building stamina or engaging the mind — into consistent routines, individuals are better positioned to age successfully and maintain control over their own health journey.
Wellness programs are increasingly available through solutions like life insurance and annuities, offering access to tools that support healthier living. These may include preventive care resources, health assessments and lifestyle guidance — all designed to help individuals maintain their health over time.
By pairing financial protection with wellness support, these solutions can play a significant role in improving quality of life while also helping manage future care needs.
Most of today’s wellness programs go beyond general advice to include:
The impact of these programs is increasingly measurable. One analysis found that a data-driven pre-claim wellness program was associated with approximately a 10% reduction in LTC claim payments over a multi-year period, with more than half of identified risk factors or functional issues improving after intervention.3
Aging in place also depends on the environment. Simple home modifications — such as installing grab bars, improving lighting or reducing fall hazards — can make a significant difference in safety and accessibility. Addressing these changes early on allows older adults to plan ahead and potentially reduce the need for more costly updates when needs become more urgent.
Early planning extends beyond the home. It includes conversations about lifestyle preferences, support systems and financial strategies. When these elements are addressed proactively, seniors and their loved ones are better equipped to adapt as needs evolve.
Several life insurance policies, annuities and hybrid LTC solutions are part of a new generation of products designed to not only provide financial protection, but to offer added flexibility and support as needs change. These solutions can help individuals build assets for retirement, pursue tax-deferred growth and prepare for potential long-term care expenses — while still delivering value through accumulated assets or alternative benefits if LTC coverage isn’t needed.
For financial professionals, this creates an opportunity to reframe LTC conversations. Instead of focusing solely on covering costs, discussions can also connect clients to resources that can help them explore how daily habits, environment and early action may influence those costs over time.
Planning for long-term care is no longer just about preparing for a potential event, it’s about shaping the path that leads there. By integrating wellness, environment and financial strategies, individuals can take a more active role in their aging journey.
The takeaway is straightforward: planning early isn’t only about funding care. It can help reduce the likelihood or severity of needing it, supporting both quality of life and long-term financial outcomes.
Sources
1“Can You Afford to Age in Place?” National Council on Aging, August 4, 2023. https://www.ncoa.org/article/can-you-afford-to-age-in-place/
2"Most Adults Greatly Underestimate the Realities of Aging and Long-Term Care"; Center for Retirement Research at Boston College; March 10, 2025; https://crr.bc.edu/do-older-adults-understand-healthcare-risks/.
3“Data-Driven Pre-Claim Wellness Programs Bend the LTCI Claims Cost Curve: The Numbers Are In,” Assured Allies and Faegre Drinker, March 2024. https://pages.assuredallies.com/hubfs/assured-allies-white-paper/data-driven_pre-claim_programs_bend_the_ltci_claims_cost_curve.pdf