"With nearly 90 million Americans expected to be over the age of 65 by 2050, the time is now to think about advanced planning, before seniors can no longer do so on their own," said Molly Doyle, Vice President, Senior Programs, Health Dialog. "These research findings clearly signal a need for services and support that help people better understand and plan for old age, identify caregivers, and consider their later-in-life preferences."

Jose-Luis Fernandez, Principal Research Fellow, LSE, said: "Across the world, a combination of societal and economic factors - including demographic changes, the breakdown of the extended family, and the rise in divorce rates, migration, and women in the workplace - are eroding the family-supported structures that have historically provided the bulk of the care for dependent older people. With social care systems also under huge financial strain, a global challenge is emerging about how to support dependent older people in the future."

This survey is the first in a three-part series that will be followed in the coming months by findings on Chronic Disease and Health & Wellbeing.

SOURCE Health Dialog Services Corporation