all the government sponsored programs are there but not everyone can afford them. but that's beside the point. the point is, a simple and prepared living after the age of 50 is a healthy and sensible choice. i mean if you can afford long term care and you enjoy having people buzzing around and making fuzz about your needs (probably very basic needs when you are 80 years old) good for you.....personally i prefer the gradual switch to a simple and prepared living