Common Chronic Illnesses We Face as We Get Older

Americans today can expect to live longer than ever, with a rebound in longevity following the pandemic years. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released in 2026 shows that an individual reaching age 65 can now expect to live an additional 19.7 years on average.

Americans are living longer than ever before, but not necessarily healthier.” — Dr. Steven Woolf, Professor, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University.

While these added years provide more time for family and personal pursuits, they also increase the likelihood of living with persistent health issues. For many seniors, daily life involves the careful management of multiple chronic conditions (MCC). According to recent public health reports, nearly 95% of adults aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, while approximately 80% are managing two or more. Staying healthy in this "third act" of life requires a shift in focus toward long-term management to maintain independence and a high quality of life.

Experts say that with nearly all older adults managing at least one chronic condition, the focus must shift toward long-term management that preserves independence and quality of life. These chronic conditions, and the consequences of aging itself, often lead to needing help with everyday living activities and long-term care.

The most common chronic condition experienced by adults is multimorbidity. Multimorbidity can have substantial consequences for health-related quality of life, threaten functional independence, and contribute to premature death.” — Dr. Mary E. Tinetti, geriatrician at Yale School of Medicine.

Healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking, can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions. Leading health experts emphasize that a diet rich in whole foods and consistent physical activity are the most effective tools for maintaining vitality. Those who adopt these habits early are more likely to join the 44% of Americans aged 65 and older who describe their health as excellent or very good.

As we age, certain health concerns become more prevalent, often requiring a shift in how we prepare for the future. Understanding these common illnesses is the first step toward effective management. Furthermore, early education allows families to better navigate the complexities of Long-Term Care planning, ensuring that support is in place if it becomes necessary to maintain one's quality of life.

Arthritis

Arthritis remains the most prevalent chronic condition for those entering their later years. Dr. Marie Bernard, former deputy director of the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and a leading voice in geriatric medicine, has noted that arthritis is often the primary medical challenge for individuals over age 65.

Current 2026 data from the CDC indicates that approximately 56% of adults aged 65 and older have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. The condition can lead to significant pain and a decreased quality of life if not managed properly.

While the discomfort of stiff joints may discourage an active lifestyle, health experts emphasize that "motion is medicine." Working closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan—often including low-impact exercise and anti-inflammatory nutrition—is essential for maintaining independence. Proactive management of arthritis is also a key component of Long-Term Care planning, as maintaining mobility can delay the need for intensive personal assistance.

Arthritis is probably the number one medical condition that people over the age of 65 have to contend with."— Dr. Marie Bernard.

Cardiac Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for adults over age 65. According to 2026 CDC data, heart disease accounts for more than 615,000 deaths annually among older Americans, a notable increase from previous decades as the population ages.

As a chronic condition, the prevalence of heart disease continues to show a gender gap; it currently affects approximately 39% of men and 28% of women older than 65. As individuals age, risk factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol become increasingly common, significantly raising the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Managing these cardiovascular risks is a critical element of Long-Term Care planning. Early intervention through medication and lifestyle changes can prevent the loss of independence that often follows a major cardiac event, allowing for a higher quality of life in later years.

Cancer

Cancer is the second-leading cause of death among older adults in the United States, with an estimated 626,140 cancer deaths projected for 2026. Data from the American Cancer Society indicates that the risk of developing cancer increases significantly with age; currently, approximately 28% of men and 21% of women over age 65 are living with a history of the disease.

The outlook for those diagnosed has improved dramatically due to early detection and targeted therapies. In 2026, the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers combined reached a record 70%. While cancer cannot always be prevented, early intervention and consistent screening are vital. For those living with the illness, a compassionate Long-Term Care strategy is essential to manage symptoms, support recovery, and ensure a high quality of life throughout treatment

Now we have 70% of people who are diagnosed reaching that milestone 5-year mark....It’s really been driven by progress over the past 30 years, particularly in terms of more targeted treatment and immunotherapies. Not only are those therapies working extremely well, but they're less toxic, so people are able to stay on their cancer treatment longer and thus live longer.” — Rebecca Siegel, MPH, a cancer epidemiologist and the senior scientific director of surveillance research.

 With roughly 20 million cancer survivors in the U.S., the meaning of survivorship has expanded. It no longer applies only to those who are cured, but also to people living long term with advanced disease. However, long life also brings a higher risk of long-term care.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that as of 2026, an estimated 7.4 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia. While approximately 1 in 9 people (11%) in this age group have the illness, the true prevalence remains difficult to pin down due to the complexities of early-stage diagnosis and a lack of access to specialists in many communities. While the image above reflects 2015 numbers, you can see that all forms of dementia are a growing problem.

"The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's is growing—and growing fast. This pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of cases and provide more healthcare services for those affected." — Alzheimer’s Association, 2026 Facts and Figures.

Cognitive impairment has a profound impact on health across the spectrum—from individual safety and self-care to the staggering economic burden on families. In 2026, the total national cost for health and Long-Term Care for those with dementia is projected to reach $409 billion, not including the billions of hours of unpaid care provided by nearly 13 million family members.

Living with a chronic disease is a significant challenge, but a robust support system can help an individual maintain a high quality of life. Whether you choose to remain at home with professional assistance or transition to a specialized residential facility, proactive Long-Term Care planning is essential. Preparing for these needs today ensures that you can face health-related obstacles head-on and continue to live a meaningful, fruitful life.

While earlier intervention has the potential to produce significant economic and societal benefits by delaying disability and Long-Term Care needs, those benefits will only be realized with coordinated policy updates, insurance reforms and investments in public health systems." — Dr. Suzanne E. Schindler, Associate Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine, March 2026.

Why Long-Term Care Planning is the Cornerstone of Retirement Security

The prevalence of chronic illness and the rising impact of Alzheimer’s disease in 2026 reflect a fundamental reality: aging requires preparation for its inevitable consequences. For many Americans, a successful retirement is no longer just about building a 401(k) or an HSA; it is about ensuring those assets remain protected from the escalating costs of healthcare.

Financial experts, Long-Term Care Insurance specialists, and aging advocates increasingly suggest reviewing Long-Term Care insurance as a vital component of a modern retirement plan. By integrating this coverage, individuals can achieve three critical goals: 

1. Safeguard Income and Assets: Prevent the depletion of life savings and home equity on the high costs of nursing care or home health services.

2. Ensure Quality Care Options: Retain the power to choose where and how care is received—whether in the comfort of your own home or in a premier assisted living facility.

3. Ease the Burden on Loved Ones: Provide your family with the gift of peace of mind, ensuring they can remain supporters and companions rather than being forced into the role of primary caregivers.

Take the Next Step

Educating yourself is the first step toward a secure future. For comprehensive guides, expert articles, and state-specific resources, visit the LTC News Long-Term Care Insurance Learning Center. This resource provides the tools necessary to understand your options and design a plan that fits your unique needs.

Finding Quality Care and Navigating the LTC Insurance Claims Process

If you are currently managing the needs of aging parents, the search for reliable support can be overwhelming. Finding the right setting or caregiver is a critical step in ensuring safety and quality of life. LTC News provides the largest comprehensive database of caregivers and facilities in the country. This resource is free to search, allowing families to narrow down their options by location and services before contacting providers directly.

If your loved one has a Long-Term Care insurance policy, it is essential to mention this during your initial inquiries. Most providers recognize the reliability of insurance payments, and stating that an LTC policy is in place can often help your loved one move to the "top of the line" for availability.

Filing an insurance claim can be a complex and stressful administrative hurdle. To assist families, LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to provide professional claim support with no cost or obligation. Their trained experts can walk you through the entire process, ensuring that paperwork is filed correctly so you can access benefits quickly. If you need assistance, you can File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim through this partnership to get started.