Description: In this video Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the Society of Actuaries Research Institute, introduces a report titled “Guide to Domestic & International Paid Family and Medical Leave Programs.” Motivated by the increasing interest in these programs, especially post-COVID 19, the report compares U.S. and international paid family and medical leave initiatives. Key findings include differences in benefit generosity and periods for maternity and paternity leave, as well as domestic violence leave. Contributors: Dale Hall FSA, MAAA, CFA, CERA , Rose Northon, STeven Siegel ASA MAAA, Jon Forster ASA MAAA

Description: In a recent study, nearly all family caregivers (80%) said they “always” or “often” provide emotional support. What if robots could cut that statistic in half? What would that mean to caregivers who have families of their own? This article is my first-hand experience with a companion robot that provides a tremendous amount of emotional support and meaningful activities. Together, they are designed to engage an older adult significantly which can lighten the caregiving burden on other family members.

Description: Stakeholders in a specific state (Minnesota) were interviewed about the potential value -- and obstacles -- of a catastrophic backstop program to handle long term care (LTC) financing needs. The design would entail a payroll deduction which would produce a fund to pay LTC expenses once a deductible period (of 1 to 4 years, depending on income) was reached. This design was believed to encourage enrollees to cover the front end better than done today, whether by private insurance or other means.

Description: The barrier between humans and machines continues to blur, but curiously, this may have been prediction thousands of years ago in ancient myths. This article looks to how some of the early legends are becoming manifest in modern technology, particularly in the area of elder care. From automation, to humanoid assistants, to mind clones will the age of technology bring a new utopia?