If you want to be prepared for retirement and have the ability to actually enjoy your free time as a senior citizen you must plan ahead intelligently and stick to the plan over an extended period of time.

There are those who like to say that other people who are in a better position have been “lucky.” In fact, you create your own luck and if you are fortunate enough to be traversing a consistent career path it is likely that you do have the ability to prepare yourself for the future.

One thing to take into consideration when you are evaluating your future expenses is the possibility of needing long-term care as a senior citizen. There is a 40% chance that someone who reaches the age of 65 will require nursing home care eventually. Others will spend time in an assisted living community.

Both of these types of facilities are very expensive. The average annual cost for a semi private room in a nursing home in 2012 was $81,030; a private room averaged $90,520.

The average annual charge for a stay in an assisted living community was $42,600. This represented a 2.1% increase over 2011 figures.

Clearly, the statistics are indicating that long-term care costs are high and they are actually on the rise.

To be prepared for the eventualities of aging you would do well to discuss everything with a licensed and experienced elder law attorney. Your lawyer will gain an understanding of your financial situation, apprise you of your options, and devise a plan that will lead to financial security during the latter portion of your life.