Description: We ask whether we can find support for the previously reported upper limit of the force of mortality of 0.7, i.e. about the probability of tossing a fair coin.

Description: This report is based on simplified issue [SI] products sold during 2004 but introduced before 2004. Twenty-seven companies responded, covering 48 products.

Description: This study used the Impairment Study Capture System (ISCS) to examine mortality results of policies, beginning in 1989, on insured lives with elevated blood pressure.

Description: A summary of the progress and recommendations of the Mortality Study Working Group and a request support in implementing the recommendations.

Description: Summary of the recommendations of the Society of Actuaries Mortality Study Working Group, whose purpose was to re-evaluate the scope and content of the Society’s mortality experience studies and to develop long term strategic direction.

Description: In this paper, presented at the Eastern Spring Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held March 24-25, 1960 in Washington, D.C., the author documents the determination of elementary functions and monetary values of the 1941 CSO Mortality Table on an age last birthday basis, noting that until this time the tables had been published only on the basis of age nearest birthday. The impetus of this change was the author’s company, Metropolitan Life, having recently started issuing ordinary life policies on an age last birthday basis, the rational being the use of age nearest birthday had led to policyholder confusion and misunderstanding. Includes discussion. From the 1960 Transactions Vol. 12, No. 33.

Description: The impact of nutrition, geography, occupation and other health risks on mortality with regards to life insurance. From Record of Society of Actuaries, February 1978, Vol. 3, No. 4

Description: This article is a book review of “Medical Risks: Patterns of Mortality and Survival,” by Richard B. Singer, MD, and Louis Levenson, FSA. The author of this review notes “monumental is an adjective one hears in reference to this book and it certainly seems apt both in regard to the tremendous amount of work in its preparation and, more importantly, its value to those to whom it is directed. The book contains a mine of information in the form of mortality indices relating to a large number of risk factors, mainly specific diseases, abnormal physical findings, or abnormal findings on medical tests.”

Description: This panel discussion is from the 1991 Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held May 16-17 in New York. The panelists review mortality experience studies and research and underwriting practices, discussing topics including smoker vs. non-smoker mortality, differences by sex, and medical impairments. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 17, No. 2.

Description: The author discusses the first life table, or life table model, which was produced in 1662 by John Graunt in his Natural and Political Observations. He notes that the brief, crude table was both inaccurate and unrealistic, but nonetheless, proved to be the source of one of the most powerful concepts and valuable tools in demography and actuarial science.