Many people believe that, as they age, they will naturally fall victim to a variety of diseases. I want you to understand that there is nothing “natural” to this cycle. There’s a lot to the aging process that we have control over. Sure, it all catches up with us in the end. But isn’t it interesting to imagine living out more of your years with independence, vigor and joy?

A recent Op-Ed in the NY Times (Aug. 26, 2019) was written by two noted authorities on the subject. Dariush Mozaffarian is dean of the Tufts Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. His co-author, Dan Glickman, is a former secretary of agriculture (1995 – 2001). Their piece does not mince words. As stated in the title, “Our Food is Killing Too Many of Us“.

They make a well-researched argument for the value of healthy eating for life, especially in today’s climate of rising health care costs and reduced funding for government-sponsored programs. Almost half of the adults in the US are pre-diabetic or diabetic. 3 out of 4 adults are overweight or obese and cardiovascular disease kills 2,300 people every day. Every single day.

As they report, “More Americans are sick, in other words, than are healthy.”

 Eating For Life – A Hidden LTCi Benefit

Our newsfeeds are full of information about how our diet affects our health. Our diet also directly affects our wealth. By making the decision to eat just a little healthier, we can significantly reduce the burden of medical expenses and also increase the quality of our lives.

Here’s something you may not have thought about. The longer you can sustain a healthy lifestyle, the longer you can postpone filing a claim from your long term care insurance (LTCi). That means that the policy continues to build value over a longer period of time.

A study printed in JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) found that over 45% of cardiometabolic (heart, stroke or Type 2 diabetes) deaths were due to poor diet. They specifically cited “excess sodium intake, insufficient intake of nuts/seeds, high intake of processed meats, and low intake of seafood omega-3 fats.”

Today’s Decisions, Tomorrow’s Benefits

This is totally preventable! I encourage you to review your typical eating styles and see if there are small changes you can make today. The benefits will last a lifetime. A lifetime that can be filled with more joy and greater vigor.

Now is also a great time to learn how long term care insurance can provide for you in your later years. Click here to receive a free, no-obligation quote for your own LTCi policy.