Dancing "grandmas" mobbed Times Square yesterday, kicking off anationwide tour and contest to help those caring for aging parentsand loved ones.

Dancers dressed as seniors — complete with grey wigs and canes —surprised the crowd with a waltz, then threw off their costumes tostart swing dancing. The event launched a national awarenesscampaign to educate Americans about planning for long termcare.

More than 70 percent of people older than 65 will require someform of long term care as they age, such as extended nursing homestays, assisted living, or home health care. Yet many of theseservices are not fully covered by traditional insurance orMedicare.

"As our population gets older and lives longer, three out ofevery four of us will need more than regular health care," saidelder care expert and author Dr. Marion Somers, who is organizingthe campaign with non-profit organization 3in4 Need More. “These long termcare needs can sneak up on us as quickly as a flash mob — which iswhy it’s so important for Americans to plan ahead.”

The high costs of long term care add a financial strain to thephysical and emotional toll that caring for an aging loved onealready brings. According to the US Department of Health and HumanServices, average long term care costs in the US are more than$20/hour for home health aides, $200/day for nursing homes, and$3,000/month for assisted living. To help Americans plan ahead, aGreyhound bus will crisscross the country this summer to talk withseniors and caregivers, letting them know it's never too soon tostart planning for long term care needs and costs.

As part of the campaign, Dr. Marion and 3in4 Need More arelaunching a nationwide "Get Your Life Back" contest to find thosestruggling to care for their aging loved ones. The winner willreceive an ultimate caregiver makeover valued at $50,000 —including a week's worth of pampering and relaxation, an in-homesafety assessment and overhaul, one-on-one coaching, and high-techsolutions to support a range of caregiving needs.