Closing the Aging Preparedness Gap

A look at why preparation is the ultimate gift to yourself or a loved one.

In middle school, I loved solving math problems.

Quadratic equations were my favorite.

There was something deeply satisfying when everything ticked and tied, and you arrived at the answer—especially when it was a nice, round number.

Today, I still enjoy solving complex problems.

But when it comes to aging, the math often doesn’t resolve so neatly.

For many older adults, the outcome isn’t positive. I try to see the glass as half full, but the current trends suggest that while we are gaining years, we are losing ground on preparation.

The “D” Grade in Longevity

A recent landmark study by John Hancock and the MIT AgeLab officially quantified what many families are already feeling.

They created the Longevity Preparedness Index, measuring how ready Americans are for what comes next as they age across eight domains—including health, finance, housing, and social connection.

The result?

👉 The U.S. consumer scored 60 out of 100.¹

In most grading systems, a 60 is a D-minus.

It’s a barely passing grade—and a clear signal that while we’re living longer than ever, our planning hasn’t kept pace with our biology.

We’re Living Longer—But Planning Hasn’t Kept Up

Longevity is a gift.

But it also stretches the planning horizon in ways many people underestimate.

In the United States, a 65-year-old can expect to live another 19–20 years on average.²That means nearly a third of adult life now happens after age 65.

That’s a lot of “math” left to solve.

The Rising Cost of Aging Support

At the same time, the cost of aging-related support continues to climb.

Whether it’s:

• In-home care

• Assisted living

• Skilled nursing

With the median cost of a private room in nursing care now exceeding $100,000 annually in many areas, these expenses often rival a college education or a mortgage.³

Unlike those planned investments, aging costs are often:

• Unplanned — triggered by a sudden health event

• Urgent — decisions made in days, not years

• Emotionally charged — stress leads to fragmented choices

The Multiplier Effect: Health, Safety & Quality of Life

As we age, risks don’t appear in isolation. They compound.

They are interconnected variables in an equation most families don’t examine until the statistics become personal:

• Falls: More than 1 in 4 adults age 65+ falls each year, making falls the leading cause of injury in this age group.⁴

• Medication complexity: Many older adults manage polypharmacy—five or more medications—which significantly increases the risk of adverse events and hospitalizations.⁵

• Social isolation: Loneliness is associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia and a 32% increased risk of stroke.⁶

This is where reactive decision-making becomes costly—financially and emotionally.

Aging-Related Preparation Is Preventive Medicine

The most effective risk mitigant is not waiting for a diagnosis.

Preparation is the only way to turn an 'unplanned' crisis into a 'managed' transition.

At Silver Path Consulting, our mission is to help families move beyond the national average by addressing the entire equation—not just one variable at a time.

We guide clients across six essential pillars:

• Navigating Housing & Living Transitions

• Caring for Health & Family

• Organizing the Basics

• Securing Legal, Financial & Long-Term Protection

• Thriving in Later Years

• Honoring Life & Legacy

This integrated approach helps families avoid the exhausting cycle of constant reaction.

The Silver Path Aging-Related Preparation Mini Audit

The MIT AgeLab index is a national benchmark.

This quick and simple self-assessment helps you understand where you stand today.

Rate your confidence in each area from 1 (Unprepared) to 5 (Fully Secured).

The Six Pillars of Preparation

• Housing: My home is safe or I have a clear move plan should it become necessary.

• Health: I have a designated  “Care Quarterback”—a primary advocate who knows my medications, doctors, and wishes—and a plan to navigate the healthcare system.

• Basics: My passwords, logistics, and daily must-haves are documented for others.

• Protection: I have analyzed long-term care costs against my assets.

• Thriving: I maintain social connection, purpose, and daily engagement.

• Legacy: My end-of-life wishes and personal values are legally and emotionally secured.

Total Score: ____ / 30

How Do You Compare to the 60% Benchmark?

Add up your scores:

• 18 or lower (≤60%): You are at or below the national average and operating in the Reactive Zone, where one health event can disrupt your entire plan.

• 24 or higher (≥80%): You are a Proactive Planner, outperforming the benchmark and building a foundation for long-term quality of life.

Aging doesn’t come with clean equations or simple answers.

But thoughtful preparation changes the outcome.

If you're looking to raise your grade, whether for yourself or a loved one, let's create a plan together.

Build a Plan

Please Contact Us or schedule a free 15-minute consultation to learn how we can support your journey.

Sources

1. John Hancock / MIT AgeLab (2025): Longevity Preparedness Index

2. Social Security Administration: Period Life Table

3. Genworth Financial: Cost of Care Survey

4. CDC: Older Adult Fall Prevention Data

5. Johns Hopkins Medicine: Polypharmacy in Adults 60+

6. National Academies of Sciences (NASEM): Social Isolation & Loneliness in Older Adults