Description: Abstract: Over the last century, the assumption usually made was that causes of death are independent, although it is well-known that dependencies exist. Recent developments in econometrics allow, through Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), to model multivariate dynamic systems including time dependency between economic variables. Common trends that exist between the variables may then be highlighted, the relation between these variables being represented by a long-run equilibrium relationship. In this work, VECM are developed for causes-of-death mortality. We analyze the five main causes of death across ten major countries representing a diversity of developed economies. The World Health Organization website provides cause-of-death information over about the last 60 years. Our analysis reveals that long-run equilibrium relationships exist between the five main causes of death, improving our understanding of the nature of dependence between these com peting risks over recent years. It also highlights that countries had usually different past experience in regards to cause-of-death mortality trends and thus, applying results from one country to another may be misleading.

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: This research paper assesses the adequacy of the combination of elder care and support programs in six developed countries. The programs considered are social security (retirement income), health care and long-term care, and four family compositions are considered to make the assessment. The paper discusses the difficulties of defining adequacy. The fuzzy set methodology of Ragin (2000) is used to label the level of adequacy of the combined programs. This is the first time this methodology has been applied to this problem. The paper contributes to research in the social sciences by combining quantitative and qualitative results. It finds that the combined programs are: often inadequate in England and the United States; not adequate or inadequate in Canada; and mainly adequate in France, Germany and Sweden. Three policy recommendations, which would increase the likelihood of benefit adequacy, are made.

Description: Discussion of session 3B.

Description: Most actuarial explorations of increased longevity have, quite understandably, focused on its direct financial implications for things like health care costs, retirement systems, and social security or other public policy provisions. But future life extension has many other potential implications, both direct and indirect, for various socioeconomic factors, which in turn have the potential to affect the actuarial valuation of future risk contingencies. This paper examines a sampling of the socioeconomic issues emerging from the possibility of substantially increased longevity. Because of the complexity and interrelatedness of these issues, actuarial and risk modeling of this prospective environment could be a significant challenge.

Description: Abstract for Perspectives on SOA Post-Retirement Risk Research and What It Tells About Implications of Long Life

Description: Abstract for Modeling Medical Cost Trends for Advancing Age in the Long Run

Description: Sex Differences in Predictors of Health Decline: Results from a 16-Year Longitudinal Cohort Study

Description: Informal Discussion Transcript - Session 5A

Description: Discussion of Session 5B.