About 70 percent of individuals over age 65 will require at least some type of long-term care services during their lifetime. Over 40 percent will need care in a nursing home for some period of time. Factors that increase your risk of needing long-term care are:

• Age - The risk generally increases as you get older.
• Marital Status - Single people are more likely to need care from a paid provider.
• Gender - Women are at a higher risk than men, primarily because they tend to live longer.
• Lifestyle - Poor diet and exercise habits can increase your risk.
• Health and Family History - also impact your risk.