LTSS Trends and Preferences of an Aging Population
The U.S. population is aging rapidly and the demand for a range of long-term services and supports—such as assistance with activities of daily living, skilled nursing services, and dementia care—is increasing. Between 2020 and 2060, it is expected that:
- The number of people aged 65 and older will almost double
- The number of people aged 85 and older will almost triple
- More than half of the people under the age of 65 will become disabled enough to need LTSS.
Most older adults and persons with disabilities prefer to receive long-term services and supports in their own homes and attend adult day services when appropriate and available. When these options are not possible, the preference for long-term care is for other non-institutional settings, such as assisted living or other residential care communities.