Understanding Longevity: Quality of Life, Chronic Conditions and Social Support

Longevity is the length of time an individual lives. Life insurance companies and pension funds consistently face the challenge of longevity risk, namely increased life expectancy. Many have been modelling consumers’ life expectancy and longevity in order to quantify their risks and develop proper strategies. Traditionally, factors such as age, gender, physical activities, alcohol consumption, and smoking have been considered as key predictors in longevity models.  However, it is important to note that there exists a strong correlation between longevity and quality of life.  At Manifold, we conduct extensive research with university researchers on population health and quality of life.  Our findings indicate that aging and chronic diseases serve as the primary risks affecting both longevity and quality of life.

Based on the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (2016) from Health Canada, more than 13.6 million Canadians over age 20 are affected by one or more chronic conditions (heart diseases, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer, depression, etc.). Along with aging, the increasing prevalence of these chronic conditions poses a tremendous risk for insurers, pension funds and health care providers.

To help these companies and institutions gain insights into population health and develop longevity models, we created a new data product: “Canadian Health Related Quality of Life” at the 6-digit postal code level. Complementary to age and gender, this product provides key predictors of the following seven most influential categories of consumers health and longevity:

i) General health and chronic conditions.

ii) Life satisfaction.

iii) Social support and community en­gagement.

iv) Social economic status.

v) Health adherence behaviour.

vi) Access to health care providers.

vii) Lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, physical activity, smoking and alcohol consumption).

These health factors, when viewed as a dynamic ecosystem, are complementary to the clinical indicators and can often be controlled and/or modified by consumers. One notable example is the health risk factor “Social Support and Community Engagement”, which exert a powerful influence on health and well-being. In a study by Christakis and Fowler (2007), it was demon­strated that social networks are more influential than age, income, and geography when it comes to predicting the spread of obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Social interaction serves as a key health indicator as people and their health are all intercon­nected. Individuals have the ability to change their behaviour and engage their social network to improve their health. In contrast, while age is a major determinant of health, it is a factor that cannot be changed.

As an example, the following variables in the data product: “Canadian Health Related Quality of Life” provide a measurement of “Social Support and Community Engagement” at the 6-digit postal code level:

1.  Having some people to depend on for help.
2.  Having some people who enjoy the same social activities.
3.  The likelihood of having someone to talk to about important decisions.
4.  The likelihood of having a trustworthy person for advice.
5.  The likelihood of competence and skill are recognized.
6.  Being part of a group who share attitudes and beliefs.
7.  Having a strong emotional bond with at least one person.
8.  The likelihood of talents and abilities are admired.
9.  Having some people to count on in an emergency.
10.  Sense of belonging to the local community.