Alternatively, active-adult communities don't require the upfront payments to cover a lifetime of care.

WSJ: Luxury Retirement Living: A New Senior Moment

In spite of it all, Loker is quick to point out her many blessings: Being able to share a home with her family, having a job she loves, having good friends and a good health care system to help with the cost of a lifetime of surgeries.

CNN: A beauty beyond skin deep

That is the tragedy at the heart of our health care system -- The devastation when one stroke of bad luck undoes a lifetime of hard work.

CNN: Clinton's September 17, 2007, speech on health care

And so we contribute to programs like Medicare and Social Security, which guarantee health care and a source of income after a lifetime of hard work.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the Associated Press Luncheon

All the memories we have shared together will be transferred with care and you will be gently placed back in your resting box for a lifetime of comfort however tomorrow, I have to say goodbye.

FORBES: Bye Bye Blackberry

Do you really think the American middle class should give up health care (Medicare) and (Social Security) income in retirement already funded with a lifetime of FICA payroll savings by millions of American employers and hundreds of millions of Americans employees to give them more tax cuts?

FORBES: Congressman Ryan, I Don't Want To Be A Lab Rat