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Don’t die wondering: Apps may soon be able to predict your life expectancy

Calculating a life expectancy reliably would require a sophisticated system that considers a breadth of environmental, geographic, genetic and lifestyle factors – all of which have influence.

Published

5 years ago

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James Jin Kang, Edith Cowan University and Paul Haskell-Dowland, Edith Cowan University

When will I die?

This question has endured across cultures and civilisations. It has given rise to a plethora of religions and spiritual paths over thousands of years, and more recently, some highly amusing apps.

But this question now prompts a different response, as technology slowly brings us closer to accurately predicting the answer.

Predicting the lifespan of people, or their “Personal Life Expectancy” (PLE) would greatly alter our lives.

On one hand, it may have benefits for policy making, and help optimise an individual’s health, or the services they receive.

But the potential misuse of this information by the government or private sector poses major risks to our rights and privacy.

Although generating an accurate life expectancy is currently difficult, due to the complexity of factors underpinning lifespan, emerging technologies could make this a reality in the future.

How do you calculate life expectancy?

Predicting life expectancy is not a new concept. Experts do this at a population level by classifying people into groups, often based on region or ethnicity.

Also, tools such as deep learning and artificial intelligence can be used to consider complex variables, such as biomedical data, to predict someone’s biological age.

Biological age refers to how “old” their body is, rather than when they were born. A 30-year-old who smokes heavily may have a biological age closer to 40.

Calculating a life expectancy reliably would require a sophisticated system that considers a breadth of environmental, geographic, genetic and lifestyle factors – all of which have influence.

With machine learning and artificial intelligence, it’s becoming feasible to analyse larger quantities of data. The use of deep learning and cognitive computing, such as with IBM Watson, helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses than using human judgement alone.

This, coupled with predictive analytics and increasing computational power, means we may soon have systems, or even apps, that can calculate life expectancy.

There’s an app for that

Much like existing tools that predict cancer survival rates, in the coming years we may see apps attempting to analyse data to predict life expectancy.

However, they will not be able to provide a “death date”, or even a year of death.

Human behaviour and activities are so unpredictable, it’s almost impossible to measure, classify and predict lifespan. A personal life expectancy, even a carefully calculated one, would only provide a “natural life expectancy” based on generic data optimised with personal data.

The key to accuracy would be the quality and quantity of data available. Much of this would be taken directly from the user, including gender, age, weight, height and ethnicity.

Access to real-time sensor data through fitness trackers and smart watches could also monitor activity levels, heart rate and blood pressure. This could then be coupled with lifestyle information such as occupation, socioeconomic status, exercise, diet and family medical history
All of the above could be used to classify an individual into a generic group to calculate life expectancy. This result would then be refined over time through the analysis of personal data, updating a user’s life expectancy and letting them monitor it.

This figure shows how an individual’s life expectancy might change between two points in time (F and H) following a lifestyle improvement, such as weight loss.

Two sides of a coin

Life expectancy predictions have the potential to be beneficial to individuals, health service providers and governments.

For instance, they would make people more aware of their general health, and its improvement or deterioration over time. This may motivate them to make healthier lifestyle choices.

They could also be used by insurance companies to provide individualised services, such as how some car insurance companies use black-box technology to reduce premiums for more cautious drivers.

Governments may be able to use predictions to more efficiently allocate limited resources, such as social welfare assistance and health care funding, to individuals and areas of greater need.

That said, there’s a likely downside.

People may become distressed if their life expectancy is unexpectedly low, or at the thought of having one at all. This raises concerns about how such predictions could impact those who experience or are at risk of mental health problems.

Having people’s detailed health data could also let insurance companies more accurately profile applicants, leading to discrimination against groups or individuals.

Also, pharmaceutical companies could coordinate targeted medical campaigns based on people’s life expectancy. And governments could choose to tax individuals differently, or restrict services for certain people.

When will it happen?

Scientists have been working on ways to predict human life expectancy for many years.

The solution would require input from specialists including demographers, health scientists, data scientists, IT specialists, programmers, medical professionals and statisticians.

While the collection of enough data will be challenging, we can likely expect to see advances in this area in the coming years.

If so, issues related to data compliance, as well and collaboration with government and state agencies will need to be carefully managed. Any system predicting life expectancy would handle highly sensitive data, raising ethical and privacy concerns.

It would also attract cyber criminals, and various other security threats.The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Lenskart unveils phonic audio eyewear compatible with Android and iOS

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

Published

2 days ago

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January 29, 2025

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Lenskart, a prominent name in the eyewear industry, unveiled its latest innovation, Phonic, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This groundbreaking audio eyewear seamlessly blends style and technology, offering a unique hands-free experience for the modern individual navigating a busy lifestyle. Phonic’s sleek design caters to diverse preferences, with two distinct models—Navigator and Hustlr—each available in sophisticated Shiny Blue and Matte Black finishes.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Phonic boasts a range of impressive functionalities. The integrated speakers enable crystal-clear audio for calls, music streaming, and other digital interactions, providing a seamless blend of convenience and entertainment.

Powered by Bluetooth technology, Phonic ensures effortless hands-free connectivity, allowing users to stay connected without the hassle of holding a phone. A remarkable battery life of up to seven hours ensures users remain connected throughout their day.

Compatibility with both Android and iOS voice assistants further enhances Phonic’s versatility, enabling users to effortlessly manage their digital lives through simple voice commands. Whether needing to send a quick text, set a reminder, or access information, voice assistant integration provides an intuitive and efficient hands-free solution.

Furthermore, the customizable nature of Phonic allows users to personalize their eyewear with either prescription lenses or sunglasses, making it adaptable to various visual needs and preferences.

The intuitive smart button navigation system adds another layer of user-friendliness. Users can effortlessly switch between functions with a simple press of a button, ensuring a seamless and frustration-free experience. Priced affordably at ₹4,000, Phonic offers exceptional value for its advanced features and stylish design. Available for purchase both online and at select offline stores across India, Phonic promises to redefine the way individuals stay connected and experience the world around them.

Lenskart CEO and Founder Peyush Bansal expressed his enthusiasm for this new product, stating, “Phonic is for everyone who juggles multiple roles daily—whether it’s professionals in noisy offices, frequent drivers, or commuters who need hands-free convenience.

Phonic empowers users to stay connected, productive, and stylish, without adding complexity to their lives.” Phonic represents a significant leap forward in the world of audio eyewear, seamlessly merging functionality, fashion, and affordability to provide an unparalleled user experience.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max: A comparative look at prices and specs in India

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1 week ago

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January 23, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with car crash detection feature

Samsung has introduced its latest high-end flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, in India, igniting a new chapter in its ongoing rivalry with Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max. Both phones represent the pinnacle of smartphone technology, but they come at distinct price points and offer different specifications that cater to various user preferences.

Price comparison in India

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is available in three variants: the base model with 256GB of storage is priced at Rs 1,29,999; the 512GB model at Rs 1,49,999; and the 1TB version at Rs 1,65,999. These variants are offered in four color options: Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

In contrast, the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB model, with the 512GB and 1TB versions priced at Rs 1,64,900 and Rs 1,84,900, respectively. Samsung’s offerings are notably less expensive across similar storage options, with the 1TB model being nearly Rs 19,000 cheaper than its Apple counterpart.

Specifications face-off

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a 6.9-inch display, slightly larger than its predecessor, and features a more contemporary design with rounded edges. Despite its larger size, it maintains a lightweight feel at only 218 grams and includes a robust 5,000mAh battery. The camera setup has been significantly upgraded, featuring a 200-megapixel primary sensor paired with a 50-megapixel ultra-wide and a 50-megapixel telephoto lens. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, enhancing both efficiency and performance.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max, also with a 6.9-inch display, utilizes Apple’s Super Retina XDR technology with Always-On and ProMotion features for a superior viewing experience. It includes a new gold color option and a novel Camera Control button, adding functionality exclusive to the Pro models. The device is equipped with the A18 Pro chipset and features a redesigned camera system with a 48-megapixel primary sensor and advanced video recording capabilities.

Performance and functionality

Both the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the iPhone 16 Pro Max are designed to offer top-tier performance. Samsung’s flagship includes 12GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone’s 8GB, potentially offering a smoother multitasking experience. The iPhone, however, continues to impress with its integration of hardware and software, leading to efficient performance in real-life usage scenarios.

This detailed examination highlights the strengths of each device, allowing consumers to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing camera technology, display features, or price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max cater to all facets of premium smartphone requirements.

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Oppo Find N5 set to launch with 50W wireless charging and IPX9 water resistance

Published

1 week ago

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January 21, 2025

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Oppo Find N5 being tested underwater to showcase its IPX9 water resistance rating.

Oppo has officially confirmed that its latest innovation, the Find N5, will support 50W wireless charging and feature an IPX9 water resistance rating. The announcement comes as part of a series of teases highlighting the capabilities of this next-generation foldable smartphone, set to launch in February.

According to recent leaks, the Find N5 will be the first smartphone to incorporate the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, signaling significant performance enhancements. Pete Lau, Oppo’s Chief Product Officer, has touted the device as the “thinnest foldable phone,” positioning it against leading competitors like the latest iPhone in terms of sleek design.

Zhou Yibao, head of the Oppo Find series, shared insights via Weibo about the Find N5’s advanced features. The device not only matches the wireless charging speeds of newly released models like the Oppo Find X8 Pro and OnePlus 13 but also integrates seamlessly with in-car systems from major electric vehicle brands such as BYD and NIO.

In a compelling demonstration of its durability, a recent video posted by Yibao showed the Find N5 being submerged underwater, showcasing its capability to withstand significant water exposure, evidenced by its IPX9 rating. This test included recording underwater videos, highlighting the phone’s versatile camera capabilities in extreme conditions.

The Find N5 also sports a refined design with slimmer borders and a larger overall form factor compared to its predecessors, which could attract users looking for a sleek yet robust foldable phone.

As anticipation builds, Oppo has begun sharing images of the Find N5, revealing a foldable design as thin as a USB-C port when opened. This device promises to merge aesthetic appeal with functional excellence, setting a new benchmark in the evolving foldable phone market.

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