Anastasiia Krivenok / Getty Images An HSA provides a flexible and effective tool for handling health care expenses and building long-term savings. Key Takeaways Women face unique challenges requiring a customized financial security plan at all life stages. A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that can double as retirement savings once an account holder reaches 65. When used correctly, HSAs can save money, boost retirement savings, and improve financial security. With ...

Core Insights - Rising healthcare costs are a significant concern for middle-class couples, particularly those over 65, as they represent one of the largest and most unpredictable expenses for American retirees in 2025 [1][2] - Effective planning for medical expenses is increasingly critical due to healthcare costs outpacing wages and inflation, compounded by reduced coverage from Medicare [2][6] Healthcare Spending Overview - The average 65-year-old couple in 2025 is projected to spend approximately $12,800 on healthcare in their first year of retirement, which constitutes about 21% of the total average retirement spending of around $60,000 [6] - Healthcare expenses for retirees typically fall into four main categories: insurance premiums, medical services not fully covered by Medicare, prescription medications, and medical supplies and equipment [6][8] Long-Term Projections - Healthcare costs tend to accumulate during retirement years, driven by increased life expectancies and the need for ongoing medical treatment and prescriptions [8] - Financial institutions have raised concerns about the long-term financial burden of healthcare costs for middle-class retired couples, emphasizing the importance of early planning and saving [4][8]

Group 1: Current Status of Aging Population - As of the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above in China will exceed 300 million, reaching 310.31 million, accounting for 22.0% of the total population [1] - The population aged 65 and above will reach 220.23 million, making up 15.6% of the total population [1] - China has entered a moderately aging society, with the aging population becoming a key factor affecting national development [1] Group 2: Characteristics of Aging Population - China has the largest elderly population globally, with approximately 220 million people aged 65 and above, representing one-fourth of the world's elderly population [3] - The aging process in China is significantly faster than in developed countries, with only 21 years taken to transition from aging (7%) to deep aging (14%) [5] Group 3: Future Trends and Projections - By 2030, the elderly population in China is expected to reach 380 million, and by 2035, it will increase to around 420 million, accounting for over 30% of the total population [13] - By 2050, the total population is projected to decline to 1.25 billion, with the elderly population proportion reaching approximately 37.4% [13] Group 4: Regional Disparities - There are significant regional differences in aging levels, with Liaoning having the highest proportion of people aged 65 and above at 21.06% in 2023, while Guangdong, Xinjiang, and Tibet have not yet reached 10% [14] - The aging population is more pronounced in rural areas compared to urban areas, with the elderly population proportion in rural areas increasing from 10.1% in 2010 to 19.3% in 2022 [10] Group 5: Economic and Social Impacts - The demographic dividend is diminishing as the population from the baby boom era exits the labor market, leading to a decline in the working-age population from 1.01 billion in 2013 to 960 million in 2023 [18] - The elderly dependency ratio reached 22.5% in 2023, indicating that for every five working-age individuals, one elderly person is supported [19] - The pension burden is increasing, with the ratio of insured workers to retirees declining from 3.2:1 in 2010 to 2.7:1 in 2022 [20] Group 6: Healthcare System Impacts - The prevalence of chronic diseases is rising, with chronic diseases being the leading cause of death among urban and rural residents, affecting over 300 million people nationwide [23] - The total medical expenses are increasing rapidly due to the aging population and the high incidence of chronic diseases [24] - There is a growing demand for integrated medical and elderly care services, which will become essential for meeting the diverse health needs of the elderly population [26] Group 7: Employment Market Impacts - The supply of labor is shrinking as the proportion of elderly individuals increases and the working-age population decreases [27] - The overall labor participation rate is declining due to lower participation rates among the elderly [27] - The service sector, particularly in elderly care, healthcare, and wellness, is expected to create numerous job opportunities, shifting the employment structure towards "silver economy services" [27]