Aging in Place in Your 70s: What to Think About Now
In your 70s, the focus moves to making your plan work day to day: keeping your home safe, staying connected, having the right documents and people in place, and knowing how you’d pay for help. Insurance options narrow with age, but some coverage may still be available depending on your health.
How do you make your home safer?
Falls are a leading concern. About 1 in 4 adults 65 and older reports falling each year. (CDC) Start with the bathroom, lighting, and stairs. See Making Your Home Age-Ready, Room by Room.
How do you stay connected?
Regular contact, a role in your community, and ways to get around without driving all support aging well. See Staying Connected as You Age.
Who would help you, and how?
Identify home care agencies near you before you need one. See Questions to Ask Before Hiring In-Home Care. Your Area Agency on Aging can help; find it through the Eldercare Locator.
How would you pay for care?
Some long-term care coverage may still be available in your 70s, depending on your health. Some annuity-based long-term care options are designed for older applicants and may use simplified underwriting. A licensed agent can tell you what’s available. It’s also worth understanding how Medicaid works in your state; see Long-Term Care Insurance vs. Medicaid.
Are your documents and people in place?
Review your powers of attorney and advance directive with an attorney, and make sure the people you’ve named know your wishes.
Staying Power is a licensed insurance agency that helps people understand their options for paying for care at any stage.
Get started to see what care costs and how to fund it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy long-term care insurance in my 70s?
Possibly, depending on your health and the product. Options narrow with age, so it’s worth asking a licensed agent.
What if I can’t qualify for coverage?
Options include savings, home equity, family support, Medicaid if eligible, and some annuity-based coverage. Your Area Agency on Aging can point you to local resources.
