No matter what the topic, we always hear some statistic or poll result attempting to influencing our decision-making process. It is not that there is no validity in some of these numbers, but they can be used or manipulated to advocate for some type of opinion or decision.

It is no different when considering long-term care and planning for the financial costs and burdens of aging, according to a leading expert in the area.

"Many of us know all the numbers why planning for long-term care is so critical. The only number that really is important is this one – it will either happen or it won't," said Matt McCann, a nationally known speaker and specialist in Long-Term Care Insurance and planning.

Speaking to medical professionals in Colorado, McCann explained those in healthcare know first hand how aging creates a higher risk of both physical and mental decline.

"No matter how well we take care of ourselves the bottom line is, at some point, many of us will need help with normal activities of daily living or supervision due to our cognitive decline. This means without some type of advance planning our family and our assets will be responsible for providing or paying for long-term care services and supports. It is not the statistics that we should be concerned about … it is our families and the impact our extended care will have on them and their families in the future," McCann explained.

McCann said life has stages. Each stage requires some type of planning to protect our families and our financial resources.

"We get out of college, land that job and then start a family. Once we start raising a family we plan for unexpected early death. We hate to think about it, but we want our spouse and children financially secure if you no longer have the income coming in due to premature death. We start saving money for college for our children and then for our own future retirement. Once we get close to our "fragile 50s" we now need to start looking at the impact of longevity and how that will affect our income, assets, lifestyle and our spouse and family as we get older," McCann said.

McCann said the cost of long-term care services and supports either at home or a facility is substantial. These costs continue to rise.

"Everyone is paying attention to the Boomers. However, once Generation X and the Late-Boomers all start the age we will see an even greater amount of people require extended care services. Those older Boomers are not leaving anytime soon either. This means costs will clime and impact on our future retirement accounts will be huge. We need to plan prior to retirement," McCann said.

McCann said affordable Long-Term Care Insurance should be on most people list of things to add to their retirement plan.

"The best time is always prior to retirement as premiums are very affordable and your health may qualify you for discounts. Remember, it is health that's gives anyone an opportunity to plan. You can't wait until you are older and have poor health. At that point you may have few if any opportunities," McCann said.

McCann noted it is all about family and peace-of-mind.

"You plan for the financial costs and burdens of aging to protect assets and income, yes, but you do this to give your loved ones the gift of time … time to be family and not having to bear the responsibilities of caregiving or managing a care situation," McCann said.

McCann suggests starting your research by finding the cost of care in your state. Consumers can also find if their state is one of 45 which offer Partnership Long-Term Care policies which provide additional assert protection. Some states even offer tax incentives. McCann recommends a resource on LTC NEWS -  https://www.ltcnews.com/resources/state-information.