1.2 million French people are Autonomy loss. And this figure is likely to climb to 2 million in 2040, because older people are more numerous, live longer, and are more and more affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Yet, according to the national survey “Preferences and assets in the face of time and the risk of dependence“(Pated 2) led by the Médéric Alzheimer Foundationin collaboration with TNS-Sofres and the Paris School of Economics, a minority of seniors is concerned about this risk of dependency.
One in three seniors think they will never be dependent
The survey questioned 3,390 people aged 50 to 79 by asking them about thirty questions on their perception of the risk of dependency, on the loss of autonomy of those around them, but also on the assistance and insurance available. 63% of respondents say “not be at all worried about what will happen after 80“and 42% do not want to hear about the risk of becoming addicted one day. Likewise, nearly a third of participants (27%) think that they will never be addicted. A trust mainly expressed by those who are not faced with the loss of autonomy of someone they know. As for the financial means that would make it possible to cope with a loss of autonomy, respondents first mentioned their income (73%), then their savings (66% ) and public aid (32%). Only 13% have taken out long-term care insurance on an individual basis, because it is often considered too expensive and binding over too long a term.
Use the spouse rather than the children
But who do you call on in case of need? For almost half of those questioned (47%), the family will provide them with the necessary help. But only 4% think of appealing to their children. They therefore prefer to rely on their spouse (33%). 25% believe they will rely on professional help. As for the role of the State in supporting dependency, 49% of participants consider that it should provide more funding, “even if it means increasing social contributions or taxes“.
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