Description: This paper examines the effects of selection procedures used in epidemiologic studies and suggests that similar procedures could be employed to select standard ordinary insurance risks at the older ages. The experience in this paper was developed from a prospective epidemiologic investigation launched by the American Cancer Society in the fall of 1959 to learn how personal characteristics, living styles, and environmental conditions influence health and longevity.

Description: Pricing longevity swap reinsurance transactions consists of a number of different actuarial tasks, each of which hides potential pitfalls. The article outlines the pricing process, which includes a detailed analysis of current mortality experience of the portfolio to be transferred, choice and calibration of an appropriate model for mortality improvement trends and the calculation of a risk margin which reflects the uncertainty associated with the pricing best-estimate, which includes mis-estimation risk, model risk, longevity basis risk and stochastic uncertainty.

Description: The effect on mortality of the reduction in smoking and the increase obesity in the U.S. is estimated based on historical and projected patterns.

Description: These were discussion papers on the paper, 'The Korean War Hazard' by James T. Phillips.

Description: These are submitted discussion papers on the paper, 'Annuity Mortality' by Walter G. Bowerman.

Description: Mortality Credibility and its use within VM-20.

Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in San Diego, CA, June 22-23, 2000 The panel provides an update on the status of the Factors in the Risk Selection Techniques Study.

Description: Abstract: The percentage of the population who are obese has grown dramatically worldwide over the last several decades, although stabilizing recently in the United States. Studies have found the effects on mortality to be inconsistent and controversial because of methodological differences and the complexity of the relationship between obesity and mortality. This paper discusses this relationship and sheds light on the likely effects of this epidemic. Issues associated with the so-called obesity-mortality paradox, where mortality experience is lower for those individuals who are overweight and in some who are obese compared with the mortality of those in the normal weight category, are examined. Although certain recently reported studies of the relationship between mortality and obesity indicate that obesity is related to a reduced percent of additional mortality, this may in part be due to the shorter average time that those currently obese have been exposed to their condition. Nevertheless, the amount of health care costs and rates of disability associated with being obese are significant, contributing to the increase in overall health care costs as they become more numerous and age. Although obesity is being addressed with a great deal of activity and publicity, they will continue to prove challenging for individuals and society to manage and overcome.

Description: What are the possible future implications to insurance companies of significant improvements in mortality? How can futurism techniques be used in research? The formation of the mortality improvement study group at the Principal Financial Group was the first step toward examining the issue of mortality improvement. In an interactive format, we will present what we learned about mortality and futurism techniques by participating in this group.

Description: From a panel discussion session at the 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, September 19–20, 2002 Panelists discuss the several issues regarding the 2001 CSO table. Attendees explored the implications for statutory reserving in general, implications for reserving under Regulation XXX, implications for the tax definition of life insurance, and other broad strategic issues. The timeframe and adoption mechanics for statutory reserving, tax reserving, and Section 7702 were also discussed.