We all live such busy lives and that makes it difficult to plan for next week, let alone plan for our future. Most of us don't like to think about aging and the day that may come when we need help with daily activities. In reality, many of us will need some form of long-term care. While the need for long-term care is a normal part of aging, the majority of us do not plan adequately for this need or the costs.

The State of South Dakota and the federal government are collaborating on a new initiative called "Own Your Future." The primary goal of this initiative is to encourage people, between the ages of 45 and 65, to start planning for their future long-term care needs now, instead of waiting until it is too late.

As a first step in the planning process to owning your future, I encourage you to order the "Long-Term Care Planning Kit" created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This planning kit includes some basic facts about long-term care and describes some things you can do to plan for your financial, housing and healthcare needs as you get older. There are several ways to order:

• Call 1-866-PLAN-LTC (1-866-752-6582); or
• Return the postage paid reply card attached to the enclosed brochure; or
• Download an electronic version by visiting www.aoa.gov/ownyourfuture.

Be a part of owning your future today by ordering your free "Long-Term Care Planning Kit."

Sincerely,