Amid Improving Life Expectancy Rates, Risk of Premature Death is Still Significant for Americans, New S...( LIFE Foundation Compares Public Pe...),Health

LIFE Foundation Compares Public Perceptions to Findings from New Study

Examining Mortality Risk, During Life Insurance Awareness Month

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Findings from a new study show that while mortality rates in the United States have decreased since the 1970s, the risk of premature death for those in their typical working years, ages 25-64, is still significant. In fact, there is a greater than 1-in-6 chance for males and a 1-in-9 chance for females of not surviving from age 25 to normal retirement age. These odds are much higher than most Americans perceive. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 550,000 Americans ages 25-64 die each year.

The study, titled "The Changing Face of Mortality Risk in the United States," was commissioned by the nonprofit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE) and conducted by the global consulting firm Milliman, Inc. to offer insights into people's real mortality risk and the leading causes of death. Its findings are being released today by LIFE to coincide with Life Insurance Awareness Month, a national campaign taking place throughout September to increase awareness of the importance of life insurance and encourage Americans to take steps to assess their coverage needs.

"As much as we'd all like to believe we will live to a ripe old age, the statistics tell a much different picture. While we are living longer, there is still a very real risk that many Americans won't live into their retirement years," said David F. Woods, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, president of the LIFE Foundation. "It's impossible to predict what the future will hold, yet 68 million Americans take a huge financial gamble every day by having no life insurance protection at all. Having the coverage protects against the 'what ifs' in life, ensuring that your loved ones will be financially secure even after you die."

Real Mortality Risks Verses Public Perception

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