Thanks to important medical advances, public health efforts, and lifestyle changes, most Americans will live well into their 80s and 90s. Today, persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.7 years: 20.0 years for women and 17.1 years for men.

Source: Older Americans 2008: Key Indicator of Well-Being

However, with increasing age also comes the increasing likelihood of needing outside help to maintain independence.  Risk factors, in addition to age, associated with the need for long term care and supportive services include: poor health and the presence of chronic disease; functional limitations; economic status and poverty; and living alone.

Those at Greatest Risk for Needing Long-Term Care Services	Those at Greatest Risk for Having Unmet Long-Term Care Needs
Individuals age 85 and older Those with multiple chronic health conditions Those with cognitive and/or multiple functional impairments Women	Those living alone Those with limited or no support systems Those living at or near poverty Women Minorities

Source: Meeting the Long-Term Care Challenge: A Strategic Plan for Addressing the Needs of Older Adults and Family Caregivers in Harris County 

Read more about Local Stats and Challenges related to long term care risk factors.