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| Caregiver Action Network |
A new national survey has uncovered a stark "longevity blind spot" for Americans: While many obsess over retirement savings or gym routines, the critical need for planning- "who will care for them, and how-" ranks dead last in preparedness, scoring a dismal 42 out of 100. The 2025 Longevity Preparedness Index (LPI), a collaboration between John Hancock and MIT AgeLab, surveyed 1,300 U.S. adults and found that discussions about caregiving with family are rare, with most unaware of costs or options, despite projections that 82 million seniors will need support by 2050. For readers of the Aging-in-Place Planning and Elderlaw Blog, this isn't a surprise. It is, however, a clarion call for frank family discussions and proactive planning. This article unpacks the LPI's findings, why caregiving planning lags, and actionable steps to close the blind spot, ensuring you age in place with confidence and care.
The Longevity Preparedness Index: A Wake-Up Call on Care's Low PriorityThe LPI, released in 2025 and reported by McKnight's Senior Living (October 2025), assesses readiness across eight domains: social connection, daily activities, care, home, community, relationships, health, and finance. Respondents averaged 60/100 overall, but caregiving scored lowest at 42, with women edging men (43 vs. 41). Caregivers themselves fared slightly better (46), the vast majority hadn't discussed needs with family. Older adults (65-74) scored 66 overall, but their care domain lagged at 48, highlighting a generational gap.
Caring for loved ones and needing care yourself are natural parts of life as we age. More than 70% of older adults will require continuing care at some point. One-third of today's 65-year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years.
MIT AgeLab founder Joseph Coughlin, PhD, noted, "While health and wealth security are key, between those two bookends are the routines and assumptions that make up daily life... The LPI seeks to spark public awareness and action to prepare people for living what is likely to be a full one-third of their adult lives." Finance topped at 64, but caregiving's 42 reflects a blind spot: most people simply assume family or someone will step in without planning.
Less than half of survey respondents (43%) have taken any action to ensure they will have access to a long-term caregiver if needed. The numbers are even lower for specific key actions: only 24% have designated a legal power of attorney for health care and finances, and just 16% have planned with their family how they want to be cared for as they age.Why Caregiving Planning Lags: The Emotional and Practical Hurdles
The LPI exposes a cultural taboo: Talking about care feels like admitting defeat. Yet 80% of seniors prefer aging in place. Families underestimate the toll of caregiving, the 2.5 times higher risk of institutionalization associated with caregiver burnout or fatigue, and the risk of guardianship in the absence of planning or the presence of family disputes. Closing the Caregiving Gap with Proactive, Home-Centered Planning
The LPI urges action, and elder law offers a roadmap:
The LPI's caregiving low score is a mirror, reflecting what we must change. While this article has provided a thorough overview of the survey and strategies, it is by no means comprehensive. The landscape evolves rapidly. Readers must remain vigilant. By combining awareness with proactive planning, families can safeguard independence and thrive as they age in place. For support, consult a professional. Your security depends on proactive engagement.
Caring for loved ones and needing care yourself are natural parts of life as we age. More than 70% of older adults will require continuing care at some point. One-third of today's 65-year-olds may never need long-term care support, but 20 percent will need it for longer than 5 years.
MIT AgeLab founder Joseph Coughlin, PhD, noted, "While health and wealth security are key, between those two bookends are the routines and assumptions that make up daily life... The LPI seeks to spark public awareness and action to prepare people for living what is likely to be a full one-third of their adult lives." Finance topped at 64, but caregiving's 42 reflects a blind spot: most people simply assume family or someone will step in without planning.
Less than half of survey respondents (43%) have taken any action to ensure they will have access to a long-term caregiver if needed. The numbers are even lower for specific key actions: only 24% have designated a legal power of attorney for health care and finances, and just 16% have planned with their family how they want to be cared for as they age.Why Caregiving Planning Lags: The Emotional and Practical Hurdles
The LPI exposes a cultural taboo: Talking about care feels like admitting defeat. Yet 80% of seniors prefer aging in place. Families underestimate the toll of caregiving, the 2.5 times higher risk of institutionalization associated with caregiver burnout or fatigue, and the risk of guardianship in the absence of planning or the presence of family disputes. Closing the Caregiving Gap with Proactive, Home-Centered Planning
The LPI urges action, and elder law offers a roadmap:
- Start the Conversation: Use our "Simple Lifestyle Choices" article as a family meeting template; discuss wishes over dinner.
- Leverage Advance Directives and SDM Agreements: State your wishes in advance directives, and name supporters in an SDM Agreement to collaborate on care.
- Financial Buffers: Discuss financial needs with a financial planner and elder law attorney.
- Tech and Lifestyle Allies: Pair with "Frequent Use of Technology Slows Cognitive Decline."
These will get you started, but for more comprehensive tips, tricks, strategies, and tools, read all the Blog articles on aging-in-place planning.
Conclusion: From Blind Spot to Bright FutureThe LPI's caregiving low score is a mirror, reflecting what we must change. While this article has provided a thorough overview of the survey and strategies, it is by no means comprehensive. The landscape evolves rapidly. Readers must remain vigilant. By combining awareness with proactive planning, families can safeguard independence and thrive as they age in place. For support, consult a professional. Your security depends on proactive engagement.
