If you know when you’ll die…

Recently, I came across an article about how a ‘genetic structure’ has been identified that can actually predict the lifespan of a person, of course excluding cases of accidents or being murdered.

(The only longevity predicting algorithm I have ever used was one of those silly applications on Facebook. Facebook predicted something like I will die under a truck driven by me!)

Coming back to the article:
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/08/30/stories/2010083050320900.htm

Yeah, knowing how long you will live may help you plan out your future, career, savings, travel trips, retirement and so on. Or does it really? (I am not very sure if I would have done anything differently in life had I known how long I will live. Simply because, I am not the kind who would plan my life way into the future anyway.)

What is really interesting is the way such predictive power could influence the way different businesses work.

For instance, the life insurance industry thrives on the game of life and death. And if everyone starts knowing their time of death, they would be unwilling to pay the hefty premium charged by these firms.

Pharma companies, hospitals, Investment Advisors, financial planners, government pension organizations, old age homes, everyone will be affected in some way or the other. Think of this, the employment scenario around the world will witness a sea change. Take the case of a young chap who finds out that he will not live any longer than 24. Most firms will then be reluctant to even hire him, given that his value addition to the organization will come to a complete halt within a few years itself.

In any case, the potential is immense. For all you know this may just be the tip of the iceberg. Today we predict lifespan, tomorrow we just may conquer death!