People Underestimates Long Term Care

A new study finds Americans are strongly underestimating the needs for future long-term care.

According to the study by Health Affairs, 60 percent of adults between 40 and 65 years old don't think they'll need long-term care services.

That's a potentially costly oversight, since evidence suggests nearly 70 percent of older adults will need long-term care at some point.

The study found respondents living with minor children were the least likely to expect they'll need long-term services and support; and to require paid care if the need arose.

In contrast, respondents living alone were the most likely to expect that it's "very likely" they'll need long-term services and need to rely on paid care.

Health Affairs used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey, which is data collected by the US Census Bureau.