A new AARP survey of Connecticut residents age 50 and older shows that individuals approaching or currently in retirement have major concerns about the quality and cost of health care.
Over 40 percent of the 400 Connecticut adult’s 50-plus years of age surveyed said that health care issues are the top problem or challenge facing mid-life and older adults in the state.Â
At the same time, while only 7 percent of Connecticut’s older residents currently lack health insurance coverage, 25 percent of respondents said they are not confident they will be able to afford adequate coverage in the future.
“While many 50+ Connecticut residents dream of enjoying a future filled with travel and leisure, most are facing a very different reality today,” said Brenda Kelley, state director of AARP Connecticut, which represents nearly 600,000 members age 50 plus in the state. “They’re worried about staying healthy and being able to afford health care and long term care, as well as financial issues, such as being able to pay their utility bills or save for retirement.”
Besides concerns over the cost of health care, there is also a strong desire for the state’s 50-plus crowd to receive community-based care when the eventually need it. More than 80 percent of those surveyed say being able to stay in their own homes are extremely or very important to them, and 78 percent think having quality long-term care for themselves or a family member when needed is extremely or very important.
More than 80 percent of respondents support shifting funds used for nursing home care to home and community-based care.Â
