UK Government will advise when you are likely to die.

[MANICHAEAN]

It sounds a bit Orwellian, but apparently the UK Government is to give advice to pensioners on when they are likely to kick the bucket, based on such pertinent factors as; postal codes, smoking / drinking habits, exercise undertaken etc etc. Fascinating stuff for old codgers like myself who have reached 70. Target dates for shaking off the mortal coil in Britain are 79 for men and 83 for women. One of the things that has brought this on was the Chancellor of the Exchequers intention to give accumulated private pension pots back in hard cash, as opposed to 25% in cash and the rest in an annuity, ( which at the moment are pitiful). So, cries of anguish from the assurance companies. "Oh the old folk will blow it all on Mercedes sports cars, cruises, cold sheets with hot women in five star hotels!" So what! Let them, and by giving them a rough idea of when they will be put six feet under, it gives them a choice to make a decision on whether to be prudent with life's savings, or to go for it.

[Paulclem]

It sounds like a good idea, but may not have worked in the past as it might in the future. The old Uncle has savings but is stuck in a post war penury mindset which prevents him seriously considering buying things which might help and assist him - like a chair that would rise to help him stand up. It's a shame he's not willing as things could be easier for him - and he could afford it easily. I suspect the options would not have helped him, but hopefully older people have a more relaxed and perhaps realistic view of how and what they can spend.

[cacian]

what ??
I could not think of worst thing ever.
what next? advise one of when theyu are allowed to have a child or not? or when to step out of the house because it is no longer during certain hours?
I wonder when the government itself is likely to die? will we be advised of that too? or is it just the one way?

[Paulclem]

what ??
I could not think of worst thing ever.
what next? advise one of when theyu are allowed to have a child or not? or when to step out of the house because it is no longer during certain hours?
I wonder when the government itself is likely to die? will we be advised of that too? or is it just the one way?

It's just a statistical projection so that someone may get a likely idea of when their demise is due. It doesn't mean you'll last that long or not have a longer life. I'm not sure whether it'll be a good basis on which to base financial decisions.

[MANICHAEAN]

Have you ever read the story by Frederick Forsyth in which:
1. The main character is very rich, no wife or kids, and finds he only has a short time to live.
2. The relatives he abhors and they are a grasping lot anyway.
3. He insists that his will be read after he has been buried at sea and that to benefit they must attend the ceremony.
4. It's the deepest part of the North Sea, winter, very rough and they are all sea sick.
5. Upon return to port, the will is read and they get nothing. Why?
6. He'd arranged to be buried in a solid gold coffin.
7. The moral of the story. Yes, you have got it. "You can take it with you!"

[cacian]

It's just a statistical projection so that someone may get a likely idea of when their demise is due. It doesn't mean you'll last that long or not have a longer life. I'm not sure whether it'll be a good basis on which to base financial decisions.

I feel personally the government ought to keep their nose out of people's private lives. announcing peoples' death is terrible. let people die the way the want and they do not wish to hear about it.

[cacian]

Have you ever read the story by Frederick Forsyth in which:
1. The main character is very rich, no wife or kids, and finds he only has a short time to live.
2. The relatives he abhors and they are a grasping lot anyway.
3. He insists that his will be read after he has been buried at sea and that to benefit they must attend the ceremony.
4. It's the deepest part of the North Sea, winter, very rough and they are all sea sick.
5. Upon return to port, the will is read and they get nothing. Why?
6. He'd arranged to be buried in a solid gold coffin.
7. The moral of the story. Yes, you have got it. "You can take it with you!"

what a grim story!! why would anyone in their right mind would want to be buried deep in the sea and ultimately use a gold coffin?
is/was he not aware of water explorations that these days anything that is down in the sea in terms of gold of silver coins or treasure even is being recovered. the gold coffin is no different. it is valuable so it will be brought up to the surface.
I would suggest it to be the follow up story.