Life expectancy calculator

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  This demonstration tool is presented for information purposes only. The figures are not guaranteed, as they are based on assumptions that are certain to change and every person’s circumstances are different. You shouldn’t rely on the figures this demonstration tool provides – instead, consult with your own advisor before deciding to buy an insurance or investment product.
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  The base life expectancy data comes from Statistics Canada's Life Tables of 2009 to 2011 which indicate "life expectancy at age x" for both males and females.
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  The data on the impacts of smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, stress and body mass index on life expectancy is taken from Public Health Ontario, "Seven more years" report, April 2012, pages 22-23 and is used as a basis for calculations. The life expectancy is calculated by adjusting remaining life expectancy directly and not mortality rates at each age. The factors are calculated from differences in life expectancies at birth. The calculator is assuming that the same % reduction/gain to life expectancy at birth will be applied to remaining life expectancy regardless of current age.
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  We’re assuming that being under 18.5 BMI is considered underweight and has a negative impact on health. We also assume that being overweight (30 or over BMI) is unhealthy.
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  The formula for calculating BMI is BMI = x / (y * y), where x = bodyweight in KG, y = height in m.
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  The definition of METS is taken from Metabolic equivalents (METS) in exercise testing, exercise prescription, and evaluation of functional capacity and is used in establishing physical activity level.
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  The definition of index score, which is used in establishing diet, is taken from USDA Healthy Eating Index.

Heavy smoker - One or more packs per day

Light smoker - Less than a pack per day

Former smoker - Former daily smoker

Never smoked - Former occasional smoker or never a smoker

Poor - Rarely or never eat fruit/vegetables

Insufficient - 1 or 2 servings of fruit/vegetables every day

Moderate - 3 or 4 servings of fruit/vegetables every day

Healthy - 5 or more servings of fruit/vegetables every day

Healthy eating means a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, meat/alternatives and milk/alternatives. Check out Canada’s Food Guide.

Heavy drinker - More than 24 (men) or 17 (women) alcoholic drinks per week in the past month

Several drinks per day - 10 to 24 (for men) or 6 to 17 (women) alcoholic drinks per week

Almost daily - 5 to 9 (men) or 3 to 5 (women) alcoholic drinks per week

A few drinks per week - 1 to 4 (men) or 1 to 2 (women) alcoholic drinks per week

Occasionally - Less than one alcoholic drink per month

Current non-drinker - Zero alcoholic drinks in the last 12 months

High - I feel ‘quite a bit’ or ‘extremely’ stressed

Low - I feel ‘not at all,’ ‘not very’ or ‘a bit’ stressed

Insert description.

Inactive - Sitting or lying down most of the time

Moderate - Light housework, playing an instrument

Active - Brisk walking or jogging, heavy housework, bicycling, heavy yard work, tennis, team sports