May 2006

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American Fears

Car crashes, terrorism bigger concerns than
Avian fl

Americans are more fearful of car accidents, natural disasters and terrorist attacks than they are of the Avian flu, according to a national survey of 1,000 Americans conducted by HCD Research in late January. HCD Research is a marketing and communications research company that conducts polls and other research studies as part of its continuing investigation of the social, political and economic issues confronting the U.S. health care system.

Among the findings:

• More than half of Americans – 59 percent – believe that it is likely that the Avian flu will reach the U.S.
• Less than half – 44 percent – are concerned that it will affect them personally or the members of their family.
• Americans are split regarding their confidence in the federal government’s ability to handle an outbreak of the bird flu in the U.S., with 36 percent reporting they are confident and 37 percent indicate they are not confident. The remaining 27 percent are undecided.

When asked to rank a list of potential disasters based on their intensity of personal concern, potential disasters were ranked as follows:

1. Car accidents
2. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis
3. Terrorist attacks employing a dirty or nuclear bomb
4. Bio terrorism such as small pox or anthrax
5. Avian Bird flu
6. Airline accidents

Motorcycles

Safety an issue with aging riders

There is a gutsy breed of older motorcyclists who are hitting the road in record numbers, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. And, it appears that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger could be the poster boy for aging, motorcycle-riding baby boomers. The problem with these riders, and California Governor Schwarzenegger is included, is that many of them have suffered their share of accidents.

In 2004, there were 3,888 motorcycle deaths nationwide, according to the Insurance institute for Highway Safety. Many of those fatalities – 46 percent – involved motorcyclists 40 and older. That 46 percent figure is up from 9 percent in 1982.

A lobbyist for ABATE of California, a motorcycle organization, says that powerful performance cycles can be too much for some older riders whose reflexes may be slower. Crowded roads, speed and an increase in the number of massive four-wheel vehicles that cyclists have to share the road with contribute to motorcycle deaths and injuries. Lack of motorcycle training, failure to get proper licensing and discourteous drivers also add to a motorcyclist’s risks.

As of 1998, there were an estimated 19,085,000 motorcycle riders in the U.S. By 2003, that number had jumped to an estimated 23,454,000, a 23 percent increase, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

Phoning While Driving

Usage increases every year

More drivers than ever are talking on cell phones, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) Status Report. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that at any time of the day 6 percent of drivers on U.S. roads in 2005 were using hand-held phones – double the rate that was observed five years ago. The highest phone use rate in 2005 (10 percent) was among drivers 16 to 24 years old.

“It’s troubling that the youngest drivers are the most likely to be talking on phones,” says Anne McCartt, IIHS research vice president. “These drivers already have higher crash rates than older drivers, including higher fatal crash rates, and the last thing they need is the distraction of using a phone.”

NHTSA’s report on hand-held phone use is based on observational studies. Based on these plus telephone interviews, NHTSA also has estimated the use of hands-free phones and other electronics while driving. The agency says as many as 10 percent of motorists of all ages may be using some type of phone, either hand-held or hands-free.

Long-Term-Care Costs

Can easily
wipe out life's savings

The reality is, most retirees won’t incur substantial long-term-care costs – but an unlucky few will get hit with truly horrendous costs.

A study by Pennsylvania State University professor Peter Kemper, Georgetown University professor Harriet Komisar and Lewin Group consultant Lisa Alecxih found that 69 percent of today’s 65-year-olds will eventually need long-term care. But for many seniors, this may simply mean help bathing, dressing or using the toilet. However, needing help with just one or two activities is not such a serious need for care—and might be relatively easily provided by family members.

However, it is those in nursing homes who are hit with the really hefty costs. The three researchers project that 37 percent of all 65-year-olds will need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Most of these folks will stay less than two years. However, 8 percent of all 65-year-olds will spend more than five years in a nursing facility – and that will mean huge costs.

While the vast majority of seniors will incur little or no long-term-care expenses, 11 percent will rack up costs between $100,000 and $250,000 and an additional 5 percent will get hit with expenses of over $250,000.