For centuries, humans have used actuarial tables to estimate life expectancy, a task now enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), which holds potential interest for economists and financial planners. The Death Clock, an AI-powered app launched in July, has become popular, with 125, 000 downloads. It predicts life expectancy using data from over 1, 200 studies and 53 million participants, factoring in diet, exercise, stress, and sleep. Developer Brent Franson claims it offers more accurate predictions than traditional methods. Despite its grim presentation, it ranks high among health apps, appealing to users aiming for healthier lifestyles. Life expectancy influences various financial and economic decisions, from retirement planning to insurance. The Social Security Administration forecasts an 85-year-old man in the U. S. has a 10% chance of dying within a year. New AI algorithms offer personalized mortality forecasts, which could impact economic analyses, as highlighted by recent National Bureau of Economic Research papers.

One study suggests current policies, based on chronological age, may overlook the functional capacities of older individuals, limiting the benefits of increased longevity. Another paper examines the "value per statistical life" (VSL) used in cost-benefit analyses like pollution regulation. It reveals differing VSLs for seniors in varying health states, emphasizing the significance of personalized longevity metrics for financial planning, as per financial planner Ryan Zabrowski. He notes that uncertainty in life expectancy affects retirement savings decisions, and AI-driven assessments could enhance planning accuracy. AI and medical advancements may boost life expectancy, increasing retirement duration and prompting higher returns on investments, likely increasing demand for equities. Existing technologies, like heart-rate monitors, combined with AI tools, could refine mortality predictions. However, factors like accidents or pandemics remain unpredictable, and social determinants like loneliness and gratitude also impact longevity. Socioeconomic status plays a role, with wealthier individuals typically enjoying longer lives. For the Death Clock's $40 annual subscribers, lifestyle recommendations aim to extend lives, underscoring the importance of anticipating mortality. Franson emphasizes that understanding one's probable time of death is a crucial aspect of life planning.