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Misconception on Aging

We are facing a catastrophic shift downward in the standard of living for the majority of people in the United States. Social security won’t save us. Our kids won’t house us. And, our savings won’t cover us.

St. Louis, Missouri (PRWEB) April 28, 2015

SeniorCare.com has published the Misconception on Aging report that delves into the reality problem Americans have regarding aging and long-term care needs. While 70% of the population will need long-term care services as they age, 63% of Americans do NOT believe they will need such care.

In the report, Carol Marak of SeniorCare.com interviewed 44 senior industry experts, from organizations such as the American Health Care Association and The Scan Foundation. The experts discuss why there exists such an unrealistic perception of the care that will be needed and the consequences of a nation unprepared.

The report discusses the perception gap – between the care individuals will need versus the care individuals believe they will utilize. Dr. Bill Thomas, who the Wall Street Journal dubbed one of the Top 10 Americans shaping aging, suggested “human beings have a very limited ability to accurately predict or even really imagine the needs of their future self. It is especially true when that future contains scary possibilities and lies decades in the future.”

It also addresses the consequences that people face if not prepared for long-term care. Rhonda Harper, Founder and CEO of Penrose Senior Care Auditors, states “We are facing a catastrophic shift downward in the standard of living for the majority of people in the United States. Social security won’t save us. Our kids won’t house us. And, our savings won’t cover us. We risk state-institutionalization on a massive scale.”

The experts shared potential solutions to educate the growing aging population on closing the perception gap and to better prepare for their future care needs. When asked how he would improve the public’s perception, Dr. Bruce Chernof, CEO of The Scan Foundation, states “Working families need better tools to plan and pay for their future care needs, and this can only happen when there is a groundswell of public support and dialogue.”

Mr. Tom Burke, Senior Director of the American Health Care Association had this advice for consumers, “Start the conversation about the future with aging parents now so everyone can agree on a course of action before the unthinkable happens.“

The comprehensive Misconception on Aging report, with Key Findings and Full Text answers from all 44 experts, can be found online at SeniorCare.com.

About SeniorCare.com

SeniorCare.com is dedicated to informing consumers about the realities and options within the senior care industry. SeniorCare.com brings together established experts in the senior industry to discuss the pivotal issues the country faces as the demand increases for quality senior living and health care for the growing aging population.

Caryn is listed at SeniorCare.com here http://www.seniorcare.com/about/caryn-isaacs/