Majority of Population Concerned about Affordability of Elderly Care

A recent survey highlights that a significant portion of the population is worried about the affordability of care services for the elderly. Specifically, 60% of respondents expressed concerns about the costs associated with long-term care as they age. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among individuals with lower household incomes, with 74% of those earning less than EUR1,500 per month indicating worries about financial sustainability in elderly care.

Furthermore, the issue is notably relevant for older adults, with 70% of respondents aged 75 and above sharing the same apprehensions. In contrast, younger individuals, particularly those under 30, appear less concerned, with only 44% expressing any worry regarding the financial aspects of elderly care. This discrepancy is attributed to the fact that younger individuals have had less personal experience with care-related issues, either in their lives or within their families.

Despite the lower levels of concern among younger generations, experts remind the public that the likelihood of needing long-term care services increases with age. Therefore, it is crucial for all age groups to consider the potential challenges they might face in the future regarding care affordability.

The findings come from a representative survey conducted among 1,032 individuals aged 15 and older, with a margin of error of 3.1 percent. As discussions about healthcare funding and support systems continue to evolve, the insights from this survey may play a pivotal role in informing policy decisions and societal awareness about the implications of aging.