3/26/2013 4:15 PM ET

By David Ning, U.S. News & World Report

Your retirement could last 30 or even 40 years. Keep these potential costs in mind before you blow your entire nest egg.

Preparing for retirement is talked about so often before retirement and so little after it that you would think the last day of the daily grind is the endgame. In reality, day one of retirement is just the beginning of another adventure.

You've worked hard all your life, and now it's time to kick back, relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But retirement can last for 20, 30 or even 40 years. Before you live it up early in retirement, make sure you thoroughly understand the implications of and plan for these events that can sting your retirement nest egg years down the road:

Extended long-term care could be needed. For most people, long-term care costs hit suddenly and unexpectedly. Some people end up needing temporary aid, while others will need care for a prolonged period of time.

Your parents may require assistance. Advances in medicine are allowing many people to live a longer life, which is wonderful because you might be able to spend more quality time with your parents. But unless they've taken great care with their finances, there may come a time when their nest egg is depleted. You can help them early by assisting with their financial plan, but you should also make a plan for other ways to support them.

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7 surprise retirement expenses